Watch: Hasbulla tests his skills at Dana White's Power Slap, meets Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg
Hasbulla Magomedov is already a sensation in the world of MMA, but it seems Dana White wants to tap into his popularity for the Power Slap League. The Russian internet sensation recently met with Hollywood superstar Mark Wahlberg ahead of the Power Slap finale and tried his hand at the new combat sport.
A recently uploaded video showed Hasbulla and Wahlberg being treated to some exclusive hospitality courtesy of the UFC president when they first met on the Power Slap set. The 20-year-old Russian was personally escorted by Dana White, who also allowed Hasbulla to test his slapping skills against the contestants.
'Mini Khabib' and Mark Wahlberg also shared a light-hearted moment when they first met, with the Hollywood star cracking a joke as they shook hands. He said:
"What's going on, big man? It's very nice to meet you, sir... You know what they always tell me? I look shorter in person, you look taller."
Watch the video below:
Hasbulla and Wahlberg even had a face-off, with the actor asking the Russian to slap him in good humor. While the slap did not materialize, 'Mini Khabib' and Wahlberg appeared to have enjoyed themselves at the event.
The Power Slap finale goes down on Saturday, March 11, and fans can catch it live and for free on the Rumble app.
Dana White on how the media's "selective outrage" impacted Power Slap League
Dana White is known as the face of the biggest MMA promotion in the world and is even credited with popularizing the sport globally by taking the UFC to new heights. However, things are not going the 53-year-old businessman's way when it comes to the Power Slap League.
Since the Power Slap League debuted in January, Dana White has come under heavy fire from combat sports fans, doctors, and journalists for even being associated with the sport due to its brutal nature and dangerous ruleset. Nevertheless, the UFC supremo has a different perspective on the media narratives about his new venture.
Dana White recently criticised the media for their "selective outrage" about his new sporting league and sarcastically thanked them for the Streisand effect that it had on the popularity of Slap Fighting.
White spoke to the media in a pre-fight press conference ahead of the Power Slap 1 finale and stated:
"The media has been incredible through this thing... Selective outrage, that's what's happened here at Power Slap... Logan Paul and Arnold Schwarzenegger had a slap event unregulated, no medicals, no nothing... Nobody said boo... We do the right thing, and everybody is outraged... You guys have helped me build this thing into a monster."
Dana White: I love the media. You guys have helped me build this thing into a monster over the last eight weeks. I just want to thank you all. https://t.co/PyUyoLVXaY