Pint-sized social media star Hasbulla Magomedov will be in the corner of Islam Makhachev for his world title fight with Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi later this month.

The 99cm tall 19-year-old Russian has been a prominent ringside figure at the octagon and has established close ties with UFC president Dana White, Islam Makhachev and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

He was pictured supporting Islam Makhachev during his October victory against Dan Hooker, but will now be officially part of the Russian's corner when he fights for the vacant lightweight belt.

The news was confirmed by Makhachev's manager Ali Abdelaziz on Sunday, and has fans of the tiny prankster buzzing.

One person who isn't a fan however is Conor McGregor, who has been carrying on a  long-term feud over social media with the 19-year-old Russian.

Just over a month ago, the Irishman called Hasbulla a 'gimp', 'a smelly little inbred' and said he'd like to boot him over a goal post.

Hasbulla, who is good friends with McGregor's longtime heated rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, has taunted the Irishman in the past and wasted no time replying.

'I don't follow bums… didn't know someone was running their mouth,' Hasbulla tweeted.

He followed up with: 'At least one of us kept an undefeated record. Hasbulla 1. McGregor 0.'

In early September, Dana White signed Hasbulla to a sensational five-year contract in a promotional role - which may put the back-and-forth confrontations with McGregor on hold.

Makhachev will go into the bout against Oliveira as a slight favourite, riding a 10-fight win streak that includes notable victories over Bobby Green, Dan Hooker, Drew Dober, and Arman Tsarukyan.

Oliveira is far and away the toughest opponent Makhachev will have faced in his 23-fight career, defeating Gaethje, Poirier and Michael Chandler in his most recent world title outings.

Hasbulla shot to global fame in late 2020 when he began posting videos on Instagram and TikTok of himself performing daring stunts and pranks.

With his beguiling childlike appearance and confident attitude, Hasbulla soon amassed a huge online following including 2.1 million followers on Instagram and over 4.7 billion views on TikTok.