Tag: Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker Steps In To Fight Islam Makhachev At UFC 267

Dan Hooker will be stepping up on short notice as he will fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, who was told by Dana White, Hooker has agreed to face Makhachev on a month’s notice at UFC 267 on October 30 in Abu Dhabi. Of course, Makhachev was […]

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Steps In To Fight Islam Makhachev At UFC 267 at MMA News.

Dan Hooker will be stepping up on short notice as he will fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi.

According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, who was told by Dana White, Hooker has agreed to face Makhachev on a month’s notice at UFC 267 on October 30 in Abu Dhabi. Of course, Makhachev was supposed to fight Rafael dos Anjos but the Brazilian was forced out of the bout due to an injury.

The news is surprising to many as Hooker had to fly back this week to New Zealand to do his two-week quarantine and he has been vocal that there are no more rooms for the rest of the year. However, there is a chance he decided to not go back and will remain in Las Vegas for the next month to train. However, this is a fight many have wanted to see, as Makhachev fans have claimed Hooker was ducking him.

Islam Makhachev (20-1) is coming off his first UFC main event where he submitted Thiago Moises in the fourth round. Prior to that, he submitted Drew Dober at UFC 259. The Dagestani native is currently on an eight-fight winning streak and is 9-1 inside the Octagon with his lone loss coming at UFC 192 where he was knocked out by Adriano Martins.

Dan Hooker
Dan Hooker (Photo: Zuffa LLC)

Dan Hooker (21-10) returned to the win column just last weekend at UFC 266 as he beat Nasrat Haqparast. It was a hectic week for Hooker as he had visa issues and did not arrive until Thursday night for the fight. The victory snapped his two-fight losing skid where he suffered a first-round KO loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 257 and a five-round decision loss to Dan Hooker. Before the setbacks, he was on a three-fight winning streak where he beat Paul Felder, Al Iaquinta, and James Vick. He also holds notable wins over Gilbert Burns, Jim Miller, and Ross Pearson.

With the addition of Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker, UFC 267 is as follows:

  • Light Heavyweight Title Bout: Jan Blachowicz (c) vs. Glover Teixeira
  • Interim Bantamweight Title: Petr Yan (c) vs. Cory Sandhagen
  • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Volkan Oezdemir
  • Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker
  • Marcin Tybura vs. Alexander Volkov
  • Khamzat Chimaev vs. Li Jingliang
  • Shamil Gamzatov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
  • Virna Jandiroba vs. Amanda Ribas
  • Ricardo Ramos vs. Zubaira Tukhugov
  • Damir Ismagulov vs. Magomed Mustafaev
  • Makwan Amirkhani vs. Lerone Murphy
  • Alen Amedovski vs. Hu Yaozong
  • Allan Nascimento vs. Tagir Ulanbekov
  • Albert Duraev vs. Roman Kopylov

Who do you think will win, Islam Makhachev or Dan Hooker?

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Steps In To Fight Islam Makhachev At UFC 267 at MMA News.

Hooker On Potential Nate Diaz Fight: All He Has To Do Is Say My Name

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has left the door open for a potential clash with fan favorite Nate Diaz in the near future. After a troublesome pre-fight period, which included trouble with New Zealand’s authorities and a struggle to secure a US visa, Hooker made it to the Octagon at UFC 266 last weekend. After riding […]

Continue Reading Hooker On Potential Nate Diaz Fight: All He Has To Do Is Say My Name at MMA News.

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has left the door open for a potential clash with fan favorite Nate Diaz in the near future.

After a troublesome pre-fight period, which included trouble with New Zealand’s authorities and a struggle to secure a US visa, Hooker made it to the Octagon at UFC 266 last weekend. After riding a two-fight losing skid into the pay-per-view and slipping to #8 in the rankings, Hooker’s clash with Nasrat Haqpqarast was crucial in getting him back on track.

After three rounds of action, “The Hangman” had brought himself back into the win column with a mature and smart performance against his German opponent, who’d also experienced visa trouble ahead of the event. After seemingly having an edge on the feet, Hooker showed his wrestling skills and controlled Haqparast for much of the contest. In the end, the perennial contender’s hard work to make it out of New Zealand paid off. He was awarded a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)

While Hooker has a long period of isolation ahead of him, and uncertainty surrounding his ability to train efficiently in his home country, “The Hangman” is still looking ahead to his next appearance. Despite Arman Tsarukyan telling MMA News that he’d like to fight Hooker in December, the New Zealander called out the #3-ranked Beneil Dariush following his victory at UFC 266.

However, Hooker isn’t limiting his options. During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, the 31-year-old was asked about the possibility of clashing with Nate Diaz down the line. In Hooker’s mind, the onus is on the Stockton native to push for the matchup if he wants it.

“Would I fight him? Yeah, I’ll fight him. That’s on him. That’s on him. I’m not gonna go chasing him around. Like, whenever he wants to fight, he’s only gotta say my name. It’s definitely not a difficult fight for him to get.”

Hooker had previously thrown his name into the mix to face Diaz following the popular welterweight’s most recent appearance.

Nate Diaz
Image Credit: Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Diaz was last in action at UFC 263 in June. In what was the UFC’s first non-main event and non-title five-round fight, the younger Diaz brother faced top welterweight contender Leon Edwards. Despite a late surge, which almost saw him finish “Rocky” in the final minute of the fight, Diaz fell to a comfortable unanimous decision defeat.

Having announced his intention to return to the cage before the end of the year, fans have been expecting a fight announcement any day now. After being called out multiple times by Vicente Luque, it appears as if a clash with “The Silent Assassin” is the likely next step for the Stockton star, especially given his apparent acceptance of the Brazilian as his next opponent.

However, if he chooses to venture back to 155 pounds, a blockbuster matchup with Hooker would certainly excite the MMA community.

How do you think a fight between Dan Hooker and Nate Diaz would play out?

Continue Reading Hooker On Potential Nate Diaz Fight: All He Has To Do Is Say My Name at MMA News.

Arman Tsarukyan Targets Hooker Or Ferguson For December Fight

UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has revealed he’s targeting a December return to the Octagon against either Dan Hooker or Tony Ferguson. Tsarukyan was in action earlier this month at UFC Vegas 37. On the main card, he recorded his first UFC finish against Christos Giagos. The #13-ranked 155-pound contender previously racked up unanimous decision victories […]

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan Targets Hooker Or Ferguson For December Fight at MMA News.

UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has revealed he’s targeting a December return to the Octagon against either Dan Hooker or Tony Ferguson.

Tsarukyan was in action earlier this month at UFC Vegas 37. On the main card, he recorded his first UFC finish against Christos Giagos. The #13-ranked 155-pound contender previously racked up unanimous decision victories over Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Davi Ramos, and Matt Frevola.

Having been challenged to record his first stoppage in the promotion by matchmaker Sean Shelby, Tsarukyan delivered in his last outing against “The Spartan.” After just over two minutes of the opening round, the 24-year-old finished Giagos via a TKO. With four consecutive wins since his only UFC blemish against Islam Makhachev, Tsarukyan is looking to meet a big name inside the Octagon next.

That name could well be Dan Hooker. The pair have developed quite the rivalry since the New Zealander’s quest to find an opponent for UFC 266 began. After Hooker’s clash with Nasrat Haqparast was announced, the Armenian-Russian accused “The Hangman” of ducking him in an interview with MMA News. After Hooker responded by branding him a “dumbass,” the surging lightweight revealed his desire to “kill” the #8-ranked Kiwi.

Now, following his recent victory, Tsarukyan has once again addressed his feud with Hooker in an interview with MMA News’ own James Lynch. The Georgian-born fighter first revealed what his rival had said to him in an effort to secure him as an opponent should Haqparast have been forced to pull out of UFC 266.

“He texted something like, ‘If you have balls, you gonna fight with me now.’ But he knows I had an (injury), I got injured after this fight, and I broke my ribs. That’s why he started speaking. But if he didn’t know about my injury, for sure he wouldn’t (say that).”

Speaking ahead of UFC 266, Tsarukyan added that he’d like to meet Hooker in December if he was to emerge victorious at the recent pay-per-view. Acknowledging the hype the matchup would get, Tsarukyan described Hooker as a “tough” challenge.

“I think Hooker gonna win, I hope, because I want to fight with him in December. I think he can finish Nasrat and then we gonna have fight with each other. It will be very interesting match. He’s a tough opponent, and I’m tough, too. And we had a conversation (with) each other, and I think UFC can do this part. And a lot of people know about me and him, and everyone wants to see this fight.”

After “The Hangman” returned to winning ways on Saturday with an impressive prelim performance, it seems likely we could be seeing that fight could go down in the coming months. However, Tsarukyan isn’t limiting himself to one option. He told MMA News that he’d be open to facing former interim UFC Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson as well.

“Doesn’t matter especially, but I want to fight with Tony Ferguson (in December). He’s a big name, too, and he doesn’t have fight now. And yeah, why not. I think we can do this fight. And it will be very interesting. I already said about he’s older guy, I’m youngest guy, and it will be great match. And we’ll see new performance with old school.”

While a meeting in the cage with Hooker or Ferguson would certainly be preferable, Tsarukyan also said he’d be willing to face either Gregor Gillespie or Diego Ferreira.

Catch our exclusive interview with Arman Tsarukyan following his UFC Vegas 37 win below:

Who would you like to see Arman Tsarukyan face next?

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan Targets Hooker Or Ferguson For December Fight at MMA News.

Dan Hooker Would ‘100 Percent’ Fight Islam Makhachev At UFC 267

Dan Hooker is down to fight Islam Makahchev at UFC 267 if his coach is to be believed. Hooker was seen in action this past Saturday night (Sept. 25). He competed on the preliminary portion of UFC 266. While getting to the United States proved to be a tough task for Hooker and his opponent, […]

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Would ‘100 Percent’ Fight Islam Makhachev At UFC 267 at MMA News.

Dan Hooker is down to fight Islam Makahchev at UFC 267 if his coach is to be believed.

Hooker was seen in action this past Saturday night (Sept. 25). He competed on the preliminary portion of UFC 266. While getting to the United States proved to be a tough task for Hooker and his opponent, Nasrat Haqparast, they were able to do it and made weight. In the end, it was “The Hangman” who took the unanimous decision win.

Fresh off a one-sided affair, many believe Hooker is the perfect dance partner for Makhachev. At the moment, Makhachev is in need of a new opponent for UFC 267 after Rafael dos Anjos bowed out due to an injury.

During a chat with the folks over at Submission Radio, Hooker’s coach Eugene Bareman said that his fighter wouldn’t hesitate to accept a bout with Makhachev.

“Dan will never ever refuse a fight no matter what the circumstance is. And not having a voucher and possibly staring down the barrel of being stuck over here for six months or even longer, will not make Dan refuse a fight if offered to him. As far as I know there’s no fights being offered yet, but if [UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby] calls us up I know 100 percent that Dan will take that fight. He will never refuse a fight, no matter who it’s against under what circumstances. Two days’ notice, one week’s notice, 12 weeks’ notice it doesn’t matter, he’d take it. So if that fight does swing our way, then 100 percent Dan will take it.”

Dan Hooker and Islam Makhachev have traded barbs on social media. Makhachev claimed Hooker was afraid to fight him back in 2020. “The Hangman” reminded Makahchev that he was busy with the likes of Dustin Poirier and Paul Felder.

Is Dan Hooker vs. Islam Makhachev the fight to make?

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Would ‘100 Percent’ Fight Islam Makhachev At UFC 267 at MMA News.

Israel Adesanya Announces America Move After NZ’s Treatment Of Hooker

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya has announced that he’s leaving New Zealand and will be moving to the United States of America. Adesanya’s decision comes after teammate Dan Hooker’s struggles leading up to his UFC 266 fight this past weekend. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect countries all over the world, including New Zealand. Fighters […]

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya Announces America Move After NZ’s Treatment Of Hooker at MMA News.

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya has announced that he’s leaving New Zealand and will be moving to the United States of America.

Adesanya’s decision comes after teammate Dan Hooker’s struggles leading up to his UFC 266 fight this past weekend. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect countries all over the world, including New Zealand. Fighters like those on the City Kickboxing roster are unable to train together in lockdown bubbles ahead of their fights.

At Saturday’s pay-per-view, “The Hangman” looked as good as ever, and secured a unanimous decision victory over the unranked Nasrat Haqparast. However, his journey to the event wasn’t without its difficulties. Hooker had to turn to Twitter in a desperate bid to secure a US visa. Having done so in the nick of time, the New Zealander arrived in Las Vegas just days before his fight, and with barely anytime to make weight.

While making it to the US proved to be immensely tough, training for the fight didn’t come any easier. Hooker revealed he’d had several warnings from the NZ police for violating the country’s restrictions, which even prevented the perennial lightweight contender from training inside his own gym alone.

In response to his friend and teammate’s experience this month, Israel Adesanya issued a scathing response, even promising to do away with his desire to headline a UFC card in New Zealand.

“You will never see me fight in New Zealand ever again,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel.

“All that money, they can get it from somewhere else. Their rugbys, their crickets, and all the others they’re giving exemptions to, but you will never ever see me fight on these shores [again].”

It now appears that the middleweight kingpin is willing to go even further and leave the country for good. In a tweet captioned “#comingtoamerica,” Adesanya revealed that he’ll be moving to the US in the near future.

“Cats out the bag… I’m moving to America. When faced with obstacles, we adapt and overcome. I’m 32 and applying pressure like J Cole before I’m out the game. We built this legacy at @citykickboxing ourselves and the support of the people. No govt handouts or backing and became the number one winning gym on earth! Four walls and a rood don’t make a martial arts gym. The people who toil day in and day out make it what it is. So wherever those four walls and a roof is located, it’ll still be City Kickboxing!!”

“The Last Stylebender” also hinted that other members of City Kickboxing, or even the entire gym as a whole, would, too, be making the switch. Ahead of his fight last Saturday, Hooker admitted that he’d have to seriously consider a change in location following the adversity he faced in NZ in recent weeks and months.

Speaking to Just Scrap radio, “The Hangman” said the team could be left with no choice but to relocate given the strict rules in place in their home country.

“Yeah, I haven’t put too much thought into it as I have been dealing with the obstacles at hand and focusing on Nasrat. The way it’s looking, I can’t speak for my teammates, it’s looking like stationing away from New Zealand. Our hand is forced.”

What do you make of Israel Adesanya’s decision to move to America?

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya Announces America Move After NZ’s Treatment Of Hooker at MMA News.

Dan Hooker Makes A Callout Following UFC 266 Victory

Dan Hooker knows who he would like to be standing across the cage from in his next fight. At UFC 266, Dan Hooker got back in the win column when he defeated Nasrat Haqparast via unanimous decision. Hooker is currently ranked #8 in the lightweight division while Haparast entered the bout unranked. Nevertheless, The Hangman […]

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Makes A Callout Following UFC 266 Victory at MMA News.

Dan Hooker knows who he would like to be standing across the cage from in his next fight.

At UFC 266, Dan Hooker got back in the win column when he defeated Nasrat Haqparast via unanimous decision. Hooker is currently ranked #8 in the lightweight division while Haparast entered the bout unranked. Nevertheless, The Hangman believes that with the number he currently has next to his name and the way the current lightweight landscape is shaking out, there is one name that he thinks would make the most sense for his next fight: #3-ranked Beneil Dariush.

“He’s the only one sitting there without a fight,” Hooker said at the UFC 266 post-fight news conference. “If you look at the rankings, every single one of them is booked except Tony Ferguson and Beneil Dariush.

“They just fought, so it doesn’t make sense for that fight to happen again. So Beneil Dariush is sitting there without a dance partner and that gets me out of bed in the morning, a fight like that. I like the look of his little number next to his name, I’d like to take that off him.”

Hooker had already inquired about Ferguson’s availability as well prior to being booked for UFC 266, but he revealed that he’s been told El Cucuy was unreachable and has gone rogue.

One person who won’t be thrilled to see yet another snub from Hooker will be the #13-ranked Arman Tsarukyan, who has been involved in a heated war of words with the New Zealander for weeks. He has specifically accused Hooker of ducking him out of fear, an accusation that The Hangman has scoffed at.

Who do you think would make more sense for Dan Hooker’s next fight: Beneil Dariush or Arman Tsarukyan?

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Makes A Callout Following UFC 266 Victory at MMA News.