CFFC 136's Bilal Hasan embraces Indonesian heritage and fanbase on road to superstardom
The 23-year-old sensation challenges for vacant flyweight title at Friday's event at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge.
One of Cage Fury Fighting Championships' most popular prospects, Bilal Hasan, makes his return to the cage at CFFC 136 on Friday. Originally set to face Harris Bonfiglio for the promotion's vacant flyweight title, Hasan now has to prepare for a new short-notice opponent in Jose Leon after Bonfiglio was forced to withdraw from the fight.
The change in opponents makes no difference to Hasan, as he still expects another highlight-reel finish to secure the vacant flyweight belt. Rescheduling the fight was never an option for Hasan, he said, as he knows lots of people are looking forward to this opportunity. Along with his Charlie's Combat Club team and Pacific Northwest support crew, Hasan also has a massive following overseas in Indonesia that he couldn't let down by pulling out of the fight alongside Bonfiglio.
Born in Hawaii to Indonesian parents, Hasan has always embraced his Indonesian roots but has felt like somewhat of an "imposter" due to being born in the U.S.
"That's something I've always wanted to tap into, is my Indonesian roots," Hasan said. "Of course, both my parents are Indonesian. I've always felt like, I don't want to say like a fraud, but I was born in America. I'm not fully ingrained with my culture, so I've always tried to tap into my audience."
After amassing three highlight-reel finishes in a row, all featured on UFC FIGHT PASS, Hasan has noticed his support from Indonesia has grown exponentially. This new loyal audience has inspired Hasan to achieve greatness for his people and to truly tap into his Indonesian heritage.
Hasan grew up speaking the language, eating Indonesian cuisine, and even visited the country in 2017. However, with this new influx of fans, Hasan has made a point to truly honor his Indonesian culture by further indulging in the traditions of the Southeast Asian nation.
While being the fourth most populated country on Earth, Indonesia somehow only has one fighter representing them in the UFC, Jeka Saragih. Hasan understands Indonesia's longing for a true MMA star, and he is excited to become that fighter. Talking to Indonesian media outlets and doing more every day to honor his heritage, Hasan is extremely grateful for all of the support he is receiving.
"It almost feels meant to be," Hasan said. "Everything's coming into place, and with their support, it's absolutely unreal. I'm super excited to bring the popularity of MMA to Indonesia and put Indonesia on the MMA map."
Hasan has felt the Indonesian impact both inside and outside of the cage. Every highlight video and interview of Hasan garners a massive number of views, followed by hundreds of Indonesian flag emojis in the comments. The overwhelming support is evident and Hasan vows to honor his fans by performing to his fullest potential in each coming fight.
"The prediction is now, what's going to be the finish?" Hasan said.
Having finished fights with his right fist, a left kick, and a right kick, Hasan only sees one avenue for a finish remaining.
"Now it just leaves me to this hand right here," he said. "I haven't got much with this left. I'm not sure what round, but I think it's going to be the left hand."
Capturing CFFC flyweight gold would be massive for both Hasan and his nation of Indonesia. A big finish and a regional title would certainly propel Hasan towards the UFC, but at only 23 years old, he still plans on taking his time and gathering every bit of experience possible before he makes it to the sport's highest stage.
Representing Indonesia in the UFC will someday be a dream come true for Hasan. Having an entire nation backing him makes this difficult journey all worthwhile.
Don't miss the battle for CFFC's vacant flyweight belt on Friday at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota or streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS. Limited tickets remain at 4BearsCasino.com.
