Unbeaten Bilal Hasan opens UFC Shanghai main card against Nilson Rojas on Aug. 29

Bilal Hasan steps into the Octagon for the first time when he faces Nilson Rojas in the opening bout of the UFC Shanghai main card on Aug. 29 in China. Both men enter the promotion undefeated, making it a rare all-newcomer clash to kick off a UFC main card.

Hasan earned his contract on Week 1 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10 and has been waiting for his first UFC appearance since. The Aug. 29 date carries extra meaning for the prospect, who is a self-described fan of Michael Jackson — the late pop icon was born on that day in 1958.

“It still feels so surreal to be halfway across the world fighting in China on August 29th on Michael Jackson’s birthday,” Hasan said in a recent interview. “Sounds like something out of like a prophecy or something like that. It still doesn’t feel real.”

Hasan has also teased a themed walkout to mark the occasion. “I have a sick walkout planned,” he added, without revealing further details.

Rojas arrives at UFC Shanghai in the same position as Hasan — unbeaten and making his promotional debut — giving the bout a genuine edge beyond the symbolic date. Hasan, however, has made clear that simply getting his hand raised will not be enough.

“They’re going to expect a performance from start to finish,” he said. “They’re going to be watching every second of it and they’re going to be seeing me enjoying every second of it.”