Tag: Dan Hooker

Chander Thinks Makhachev Is ‘The Future’ But Undeserving Of Top 5 Rank

Michael Chandler may have respect for Islam Makhachev, but he believes something was fishy with the Russian’s jump in rankings. After a long tenure in Bellator that saw him being their biggest homegrown star, Chandler made the move to the UFC where he beat Dan Hooker by first-round knockout in his debut. Hooker will now […]

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Michael Chandler may have respect for Islam Makhachev, but he believes something was fishy with the Russian’s jump in rankings.

After a long tenure in Bellator that saw him being their biggest homegrown star, Chandler made the move to the UFC where he beat Dan Hooker by first-round knockout in his debut. Hooker will now be taking on Makhachev at UFC 267, just one month after going to a decision with Nasrat Haqparast.

Given his relationship with Hooker, it makes sense that Chandler was asked about this fight and Makhachev as a whole while speaking in an interview with The Schmo. Here, the top-ranked lightweight said that there is a good chance the Khabib protege will be the future of the division, although he thinks it is questionable that Makhachev was able to jump in the top 5 of the division without beating anyone within the top ten.

“I think Makachev fought #14. He was #9. He fought #14, beat #14, and somehow ended up with #5 without having to fight anybody in that upper echelon in the top 10. But Makachev is definitely a future of the lightweight division. He is good, he is skilled, he does have the entire country on his back, so he’s fighting for more than just himself,“ Chandler said.

Michael Chandler was not the only one confused by this when the rankings update came out and showed that Islam Makhachev was in the top five after beating Thiago Moisés. That said, when thinking about it a little more, it makes it easy to realize that this may have been a combination of his winning streak, his relationship with UFC superstar Khabib, and how hard it was to find him a fight while being ranked so low.

Either way, Islam Makhachev will have the chance to prove he is deserving of his place in the rankings when he takes on Dan Hooker at UFC 267. This will easily be the biggest test of his young career.

Continue Reading Chander Thinks Makhachev Is ‘The Future’ But Undeserving Of Top 5 Rank at MMA News.

Hooker On Makhachev Fight: I Know Something They Don’t Know

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker is relishing the chance to prove his doubters wrong against Islam Makhachev, believing he “knows something they don’t.” Hooker has long been known as an always-game, always-entertaining, and always-tough contender. That reputation has only been enhanced across the last couple of months. “The Hangman” first drew praise from all corners of […]

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UFC lightweight Dan Hooker is relishing the chance to prove his doubters wrong against Islam Makhachev, believing he “knows something they don’t.”

Hooker has long been known as an always-game, always-entertaining, and always-tough contender. That reputation has only been enhanced across the last couple of months. “The Hangman” first drew praise from all corners of the MMA community for his journey to the cage at UFC 266 last month.

After battling New Zealand’s stringent lockdown restrictions, which prevented him from training with his teammates or in his own empty gym, Hooker’s September 25 matchup hit another roadblock after he struggled to secure a US visa. Eventually, the 31-year-old made it to las Vegas with just one day to make weight. The fact he completed that only amplifies the criticism the likes of Paulo Costa will receive for their weight mishaps.

After delivering a mature and intelligent performance against Nasrat Haqparast inside the T-Mobile Arena, Hooker found himself signing on for another fight just days later. Following the withdrawal of Rafael dos Anjos, Makhachev was left without an opponent for October 30. With little hesitation, “The Hangman” stepped up and will face the #5-ranked lightweight at UFC 267 this weekend.

Hooker Expects To Shock The World

Whilst Hooker and Makhachev have refrained from any sort of trash talk, the build-up to their contest has largely centered around people from the Dagestani’s close circle downplaying the threat the New Zealander poses to their man. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s friend and teammate, even suggested Hooker’s only path to victory is a “lucky punch.”

Having previously rejected their dismissal of his abilities inside the cage, Hooker has once again laughed off those doubting him ahead of this Saturday’s non-pay-per-view numbered event.

Whilst many were surprised to see him agree to face a grappling specialist, Hooker recently revealed in an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto that he has no issue fighting a talented wrestler. He even suggested he’d have done it more across his UFC career had the promotion been willing to match him up with one.

“It’s just as intriguing to me, it’s just as exciting to me to get out there with a specialist. I haven’t been matched up with these guys, not from my choice. It’s not like I’ve ever turned down a wrestler, it’s not like I’ve ever turned down a grappling specialist. It’s just the UFC doesn’t give them to me. They see that I’m an exciting guy, so they obviously match us with other guys who are gonna go out there and put on entertaining matchups.”

Hooker added that he’s just as excited to be facing a fighter like Makhachev than he has been in the past when facing top strikers like Dustin Poirier and Paul Felder. For the #6-ranked lightweight, the chance to “neutralize” the threat of the Dagestani, especially given his superior perception, is a mouth-watering prospect.

“For me personally, this is just as an intriguing matchup as a guy who’s gonna go out there and stand and trade, and brawl, and this and that. To me, I’m more a martial arts purist. So this really intrigues me; to go out there and stifle, to neutralize a specialist. That’s an exciting matchup.”

Discussing his heavy underdog status heading into Saturday’s main card fight, Hooker suggested he’s always had a chip on his shoulder. Like usual, he expects to use it to his advantage come fight night. According to Hooker, his confidence derives from the fact he knows something most aren’t aware of.

“I’ve always got a chip on my shoulder. I use that in every fight… I just use that to motivate me. I’ve made a good living off of the chip on my shoulder… I love the chip on my shoulder. It gets me out of bed in the morning, it motivates me, it excites me.

“I feel this week that I know something. That’s why you always see me smiling and laughing. It’s because I know something that they don’t know. That’s how I feel this week. I feel like I know something that a lot of other people don’t know.”

Do you think Dan Hooker will stop the title charge of Islam Makhachev at UFC 267?

Continue Reading Hooker On Makhachev Fight: I Know Something They Don’t Know at MMA News.

Hasbulla Sends Message To Dan Hooker Ahead Of UFC 267: ‘I Smash You, Be Careful’

HasbullaSocial media star, Hasbulla Magomedov is slated to be in attendance this weekend at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. UAE to cheer on and support his fellow countryman, lightweight contender, Islam Makhachev on ‘Fight Island’ — and has sent a warning message to his opponent, Dan Hooker. Reports emerged earlier this week detailing how Hasbulla […]

Hasbulla

Social media star, Hasbulla Magomedov is slated to be in attendance this weekend at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. UAE to cheer on and support his fellow countryman, lightweight contender, Islam Makhachev on ‘Fight Island’ — and has sent a warning message to his opponent, Dan Hooker.

Reports emerged earlier this week detailing how Hasbulla would be in attendance at the Etihad Arena for the UFC 267 event in the promotion’s return to UAE for the first time since a trio of events back in January of this year.

The social media star is slated to support his fellow Russian, lightweight contender, Makhachev, who clashes with City Kickboxing favorite, Hooker in a pivotal 155lbs clash, following the removal of former lightweight kingpin, Rafael dos Anjos last month. 

With news of Hasbulla’s arrival on ‘Fight Island’ surfacing, the aforenoted, Hooker claimed that he was bringing another social media influencer, Abdu Rozik, a rival or Hasbulla to Abu Dhabi in support of him during his media availability earlier this week.

“Who’s the other bloke?” Hooker asked of Rozik. “Who’s the guy on my team? Abdu! Abdu’s on my team. I’ve got a horse in the race now. I’m training my boy, Abdu, no word of a lie.“

“Abdu [Rozik] is on my team,” Hooker joked. “I’ve got a horse in the race now. I’m training my boy, Abdu… I’m not even sh*tting. Abdu is on my team, Hasbulla [Magomedov] can be on his [Islam Makhachev’s] team. He’s picked his horse. He picked the losing horse. Game on, baby.“

In response to Hooker this afternoon, Hasbulla posted a video directed at the Auckland, New Zealand striker, warning him to be careful, as well as claiming he would “smash” the lightweight contender.

“Dan Hooker — listen to me, my brother,” Hasbulla said. “I smash you. Be careful.“

UFC president Dana White excited to meet with Hasbulla ahead of UFC 267 on ‘Fight Island’

In a video message sent to UFC president, Dana White, Hasbulla warned the promotional leader of his impending arrival on ‘Fight Island”. “Dana White — I’m coming to UFC Abu Dhabi,” Hasbulla said. “See you, and be ready.“

Flying to Abu Dhabi, UAE — White responded, claiming he was excited to meet the 18-year-old. “Hasbulla [Magomedov] — I’m on the plane, I’m on Etihad (Airways) right now on the way to Abu Dhabi. I cannot wait for our meeting. And I cannot wait to see you.“

Hooker: Makhachev Fight Is A Title Eliminator, Not Chandler/Gaethje

UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker believes his upcoming fight with Islam Makhachev is more of a title eliminator than UFC 268’s Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler clash. Hooker was recently in action at UFC 266. At the September pay-per-view, he faced the unranked Nasrat Haqparast. After consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier and Chandler, “The Hangman” […]

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UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker believes his upcoming fight with Islam Makhachev is more of a title eliminator than UFC 268’s Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler clash.

Hooker was recently in action at UFC 266. At the September pay-per-view, he faced the unranked Nasrat Haqparast. After consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier and Chandler, “The Hangman” rebounded inside the T-Mobile Arena with a comfortable unanimous decision victory over his German opponent.

Just days out from his latest outing, which came after weeks of training and visa issues, Hooker accepted a short-notice opportunity against one of the most highly touted names in the division, Makhachev. The Russian was initially slated to fight bitter rival Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 267 this weekend. After the Brazilian withdrew through injury, Hooker stepped up to face the #5-ranked lightweight contender in Abu Dhabi.

Ahead of this month’s non-pay-per-view numbered event, Hooker has suggested his matchup with the surging Dagestani is likely a number one contender bout. That’s despite the general consensus seemingly following the idea that the November 6 contest between former title challengers Gaethje and Chandler holds that status.

During an interview with It’s Time For Sports, “The Hangman” said that despite not receiving confirmation of it from the UFC, he “feels” as if the winner of his UFC 267 main card fight will compete for the 155-pound gold. The New Zealander believes his matchup with Makhachev is more of a title eliminator than the blockbuster lightweight showdown set for Madison Square Garden next month.

“They’ll never put that in writing. That’s not something that they do. It’s more just a feeling. I feel like this is a title eliminator more than the Chandler fight [vs. Gaethje]. Like, I was more uncertain about whether me vs. Michael Chandler was a title eliminator than this fight [vs. Makhachev].”

According to Hooker, the classification of his fight as a title eliminator comes from the stock the promotion is putting into Makhachev. He believes a victory for the American Kickboxing Academy product would certainly see him challenge for the lightweight belt next. With that in mind, the #6-ranked contender doesn’t see why he wouldn’t be afforded the same treatment should he defeat the 30-year-old on October 30.

“The amount of stock they’re putting into Islam, they’re setting him up for a title, like, 100%. And that’s just not how a title eliminator works. You can’t have a title eliminator where one guy wins and he gets a title [shot] and the other guy doesn’t. That’s not a title eliminator. So, I feel like when I get the job done, that’s what’s next for me.”

Do you think Dan Hooker vs. Islam Makhachev is a title eliminator?

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Hooker Would Rather Dominant Decision Than Finish Against Makhachev

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker is hoping to “outclass” Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, rather than catch him with a submission or knockout shot. Hooker’s reputation as an always-game and tough contender has been exponentially enhanced over the past month. In September, the New Zealander overcame extreme adversity to make it into the Octagon at UFC […]

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UFC lightweight Dan Hooker is hoping to “outclass” Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, rather than catch him with a submission or knockout shot.

Hooker’s reputation as an always-game and tough contender has been exponentially enhanced over the past month. In September, the New Zealander overcame extreme adversity to make it into the Octagon at UFC 266. Ahead of his clash with Nasrat Haqparast, “The Hangman” experienced run-ins with his country’s police over his inability to train at his own empty gym due to lockdown restrictions, was unable to prepare alongside his teammates, and struggled to secure a US visa. After a rough few weeks, Hooker arrived in Las Vegas just one day before the weigh-ins. Nevertheless, he made weight and delivered a mature and intelligent performance against his German opponent.

Having rebounded from his prior defeats to Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, the expectation was for Hooker to return to New Zealand and perhaps pursue a future move to the US. Amazingly, the #6-ranked lightweight instead accepted a clash with the surging Makhachev just days out from his latest UFC outing.

After Rafael dos Anjos withdrew due to injury, the opportunity for Hooker to earn another pay check in Abu Dhabi later this month wasn’t one he was going to turn down. He’ll challenge the dominance of Dagestan’s latest sensation at UFC 267 next weekend.

Despite facing one of the most highly touted contenders in the 155-pound division, and having barely a month to prepare, Hooker is confident he can get the job done on October 30, and says he won’t bring an short-notice excuses into the fight. But Makhachev’s team doesn’t appear to be taking any threat from their man’s new opponent seriously.

Both Khabib Nurmagomedov and American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez recently suggested Hooker doesn’t have what it takes to defeat Makhachev across three rounds. “The Eagle” claimed the only way his friend and compatriot could lose is through a “lucky punch.”

Responding during an appearance at UFC Vegas 41 media day, Hooker said that not only is he capable of beating Makhachev, but he’d rather outclass him and secure a dominant decision than land a fortunate punch or catch the Russian in a submission.

“I can beat him, I can beat him. That’s like, a fact. That’s like, how I’d prefer the fight to go, is to not catch him in a submission, not catch him with a knee or anything like that, and beat him. I feel like that [a complete 15-minute performance], over snatching his neck or catching him with a knee is like… will make me feel better on the inside, give me a warm feeling in my belly. Just to like, prove everyone… that will really shut everyone up if I go out there and just outclass him. Then what’s everyone gonna say?”

Hooker added that in his mind, he actually has more ways to win than Makhachev. While “The Hangman” believes he can finish anyone on the feet or on the ground, he doesn’t see the Dagestani being able to defeat him in any way other than on the scorecards.

“Go out there and prove where your grappling lies in the division and make him look a bit silly. That’s my intention and like, my plan for the fight. That’s the only way he’s going to beat me, is by a decision. I feel like he’s gonna try and hold me down for two rounds, and that’s the plan. That will be their plan coming into the fight,” added Hooker. “He’s not like, a big ground-and-pound guy, he’s not a really slick submission specialist. It’s more like, pressuring guys and tiring them out and forcing them to give up a submission, as opposed to being like a Charles Oliveira, like a real slick submission specialist that throws up all these different submission attempts and catches guys.”

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 267, Dan Hooker or Islam Makhachev?

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Hooker: Costa’s Weight Miss Was An “FU” To Fans, The UFC & Vettori

Dan Hooker has slammed former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa for disrespecting Marvin Vettori, the fans, and the promotion by not making his division’s weight limit last week. Costa returned this past weekend for the first time since his championship loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 last October. Ahead of his shot at […]

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Dan Hooker has slammed former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa for disrespecting Marvin Vettori, the fans, and the promotion by not making his division’s weight limit last week.

Costa returned this past weekend for the first time since his championship loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 last October. Ahead of his shot at gold, “The Eraser” had built an undefeated 13-0 record that included 11 knockouts and victories over Uriah Hall and Yoel Romero. However, Costa is now on a two-fight losing skid, courtesy of a second-round TKO against “The Last Stylebender” and a unanimous decision to Marvin Vettori.

The Brazilian faced “The Italian Dream” in the UFC Vegas 41 main event on Saturday. In a competitive and entertaining five-round affair, it was Costa who left the Octagon with another blemish on his record.

Despite showing glimpses of his immense power and danger in the cage, the talk after Costa’s performance has continued to surround his pre-fight antics. At UFC Vegas 41 media day, the 30-year-old revealed that he was over 25 pounds beyond the middleweight limit, and suggested a 195-pound catchweight bout.

Not only was the weight miss extremely controversial, but his attitude towards it, and his attempts to place the onus on the fight happening on Vettori, drew flak from all corners of the MMA community. Having initially agreed on the catchweight contest, the bout was moved up yet again, this time to light heavyweight.

In the aftermath, UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker has given his take on the weight change during a recent appearance on Submission Radio. Suggesting Nick Diaz, who also forced a weight class change for his fight last month, was given leeway because of what he’s done for the sport, “The Hangman” said Costa hadn’t earned the right to show up and make the demands he made.

“He [Costa] didn’t like, earn the right to do that. It was a funny situation because it was only what, a couple of weeks ago that we let Nick Diaz roll up and do it. But Paulo Costa hadn’t done for the sport what Nick Diaz had done. But obviously same result, he got the weight class changed entirely so, I don’t know, it was kind of funny, a bit of a powerplay.”

Discussing the importance of making weight, Hooker described it as a sign of respect, suggesting Costa’s efforts and attitude was an “FU” to Vettori, the UFC, and to the fans. The New Zealander believes if a fighter tried to do the same in his home country or in Australia, the results would have been very different.

“It’s a sign of respect, that’s all it is. It’s a matter of respect. I show up on weight as a respect for my opponent, as a respect for my gym, as a respect for, you know, representing who I represent. It’s a sign of respect to the fans, it’s a sign of respect to the promotion, it’s absolutely everything. It absolutely is what it is, him [Costa] coming out like that is just a massive FU to the fans, FU to the UFC, FU to his opponent [Vettori].

“It’s not for me, that’s not the Anzac culture of the sport. That would never happen, something like that, in New Zealand or Australia. I feel like if you just showed up to a local kickboxing show with your fighter 10 kilos overweight and were like, ‘What are you gonna do about it?’ I feel like you’d get beaten up in the car park.”

What did you make of Paulo Costa’s weight issues during UFC Vegas 41 fight week? Do you agree with Dan Hooker?

Continue Reading Hooker: Costa’s Weight Miss Was An “FU” To Fans, The UFC & Vettori at MMA News.