Hooker hints at satisfying payday for UFC 267 bout with Makhachev

Dan Hooker may have lost to Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, but he seemingly isn’t too bummed about it.

UFC 267 was a disappointing night for Dan Hooker. After stepping in as a late replacement opponent for the streaking Islam Makhachev, “The Hangman” ended up losing via submission inside three minutes of action.

The number six-ranked Hooker (21-11) has now lost three of his last four fights. But that doesn’t seem to bother him too much, at least based on his post-fight social media activity.

The 31-year-old Kiwi posted a tweet that has since been deleted, hinting at a satisfying paycheck for his efforts to step up on late notice. Hooker tweeted this gif of Woody Harrelson wiping his tears with a wad of bills.

The tweet, however, seems to prove a previous point made by Makachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz. Here’s what the Dominance MMA founder said in a pre-fight interview.

“Much respect to Hooker, they can say whatever they want. He’s showing up for a payday, and I respect Hooker a lot. He’s a nice guy. I respect him as a fighter, too, but he can say whatever he wants, his coaches can say whatever they want, he’s getting paid to show up.”

As for the number five-ranked Makhachev, he has now extended his win streak to nine as he improves to a record of 21-1.