Tag: Islam Makhachev

Khabib: A Lucky Punch Is The Only Way Hooker Beats Makhachev

Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t believe Dan Hooker offers much of a challenge to Islam Makhachev. Since retiring from fighting, Nurmagomedov keeps busy touring the world and speaking to audiences. These engagements allegedly garner “The Eagle” $300,00 per day if we’re to believe his manager, Ali Abdelaziz.  They also give the former lightweight champion a chance to […]

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Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t believe Dan Hooker offers much of a challenge to Islam Makhachev.

Since retiring from fighting, Nurmagomedov keeps busy touring the world and speaking to audiences. These engagements allegedly garner “The Eagle” $300,00 per day if we’re to believe his manager, Ali Abdelaziz. 

They also give the former lightweight champion a chance to speak and engage more intimately with fans and media. At a recent speaking event in the U.K., the talk turned to Makhachev’s upcoming bout with Hooker.  

“Islam vs. Dan Hooker is gonna be a very big challenge for Islam,” Nurmagomedov said during an interview in front of fans in Harrogate, U.K. “It’s gonna be a good challenge. He’s (Hooker) No. 6 in the rankings, but I think Hooker never fought someone like Islam. All his fights have been against striker. I don’t know what he’s going to do with Islam’s wrestling, pressure, dominance on the ground, how he’s gonna stop him. Only one thing he has is a lucky punch. Without this, 99 percent Islam mauls him.”

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev, Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Oddsmakers currently have Makhachev as a huge favorite (-450) ahead of the short notice bout. The Sambo technician expected to take on Rafael dos Anjos later this month at UFC 267, but an injury took the Brazilian out of the bout. 

Hooker was last seen in action just over a week ago when he punched and kneed his way to a victory over Nasrat Haqparast. When the news broke that dos Anjos could not make UFC 267, Hooker stepped up. 

Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, it seems will not be returning to the Octagon. The Dagestani destroyer trucked Justin Gaethje to defend his belt for a final time about a year ago. After an emotional post-bout display in the cage, Nurmagomedov walked away because of the wishes of his mother.

Continue Reading Khabib: A Lucky Punch Is The Only Way Hooker Beats Makhachev at MMA News.

Ali Abdelaziz Says Tony Ferguson Turned Down Islam Makhachev Fight

Ali Abdelaziz claims former lightweight interim titleholder Tony Ferguson turned down UFC 267 fight against Islam Makhachev. Makhachev lost his original opponent, Rafael dos Anjos last week due to an injury. It was the third time that the fight has fallen apart. Dan Hooker, fresh off his win at UFC 266, stepped in on short […]

Ali Abdelaziz claims former lightweight interim titleholder Tony Ferguson turned down UFC 267 fight against Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev lost his original opponent, Rafael dos Anjos last week due to an injury. It was the third time that the fight has fallen apart. Dan Hooker, fresh off his win at UFC 266, stepped in on short notice and will fight him later this month at UFC 267.

The history between Abdelaziz and Ferguson has been nasty, and it got hostile again. On Sunday,

Makhachev’s manager put out a tweet saying, “@TonyFergusonXT Duck season.” The tweet implies that Ferguson ducked Makhachev and passed on the fight, prompting Hooker to step in.

A few hours later, Ferguson replied to the manager.

Ahh The [Rat] You Must Be Referring To Your “Early Olympic” Days Of Not Showing Up. Tell Fathead @TeamKhabib I Still Owe Him An Ass Whoopin’ Hundred points symbol Check It Out @MAKHACHEVMMA Took The Easy Route, No Words. My Orders Were To Embarrass Your Squad On Fight Island- -CSO-,” Ferguson wrote.

Abdelaziz replied to Ferguson.

“UFC offered you to fight Islam October 29, and you went missing,” Abdelaziz wrote. “You talking about embarrassing my team your last two fights Justin and Beneil Play with you Smart move you didn’t fight Islam he will ruin you also go to sleep Tony God bless you, my friend.”

Abdelaziz manages both Justin Gaethje and Beneil Dariush, two of the three fighters that defeated Ferguson.

Ferguson got the last word in.

“We Were Right Here Working & Getting Ready Ninja. Your Drunk Off Ego Ali, What Was Real Reason For Your No Show At Olympics? Bet You Made The Same Call For

@TeamKhabib At UFC 209? Stick To Brainwashing Your Clients & Converting Them Ya Snitch. I’ll Out Work Your Dagi Boys Anyday,” Ferguson wrote.

Ferguson has not fought since losing a unanimous decision to Dariush at UFC 262 in May. As a result, Ferguson is on a three-fight losing streak, the first of his career.

“El Cucy’ has been teasing fight news for about a month now, but as of now, there has been no announcement.

Do you think Tony Ferguson ducked Islam Makhachev? Let us know!

Gaethje On Makhachev: I Hate Seeing Unexciting Fighters Get Pushed

Former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje has questioned Islam Makhachev’s rapid rank rise, claiming he doesn’t like seeing fighters that “are not exciting” get pushed. Makhachev, who is widely regarded as the Dagestani heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s vacated throne, has quickly ascended the 155-pound UFC ladder this year. After submitting Drew Dober at UFC […]

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Former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje has questioned Islam Makhachev’s rapid rank rise, claiming he doesn’t like seeing fighters that “are not exciting” get pushed.

Makhachev, who is widely regarded as the Dagestani heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s vacated throne, has quickly ascended the 155-pound UFC ladder this year. After submitting Drew Dober at UFC 259 in March, the surging contender secured his first main event in the promotion. Against then-#14 lightweight Thiago Moisés, Makhachev extended his win streak to eight.

With wins over Nik Lentz, Gleison Tibau, Arman Tsarukyan, and Davi Ramos, the Russian had already established himself as a name to watch out for in 2021. Following consecutive wins this year, Makhachev has moved a big step closer to the title, perhaps a bigger step than many believe was warranted.

Despite being ranked at #9 heading into UFC Vegas 31, and beating a man sat below him in the top 15, Makhachev found himself inside the divisional top five in the rankings update following his fourth-round submission victory over the Brazilian. That was despite not facing a single top 10 opponent.

Like many fans and pundits, #2-ranked Justin Gaethje has questioned the decision to have the rising 30-year-old jump above so many other contenders. In an interview with Helen Yee, “The Highlight” described the four-spot rank rise as “crazy.”

“It’ll be good to see Islam fight someone that’s ranked high. It was crazy to see, you know, we’ve got the same management and all that, but to see the dude jump from 15, or wherever, 12 to five, after beating the #14 guy, was pretty crazy to me So yeah, I’m glad to see him fight an actual ranked fighter.”

Suggesting he finds Makhachev to be unexciting, Gaethje added that he doesn’t enjoy seeing fighters that don’t bring a high level of entertainment to the Octagon receive pushes.

“I hate to see people get pushed that are not finishing people or are not exciting. But, that’s just me and that’s how I’ll be whether he’s champion or not, that’ll be my outlook.”

Makhachev’s next fight was originally set to be against long-time rival Rafael dos Anjos. After the Brazilian withdrew from injury, Dan Hooker has stepped in to face Makhachev at UFC 267 this month. In what will be the Russian’s stiffest test to date, Gaethje is hoping to see “The Hangman” bring the fight to the 30-year-old.

“Islam’s obviously gonna go out there and try and wrestle, try to control and, you know, fight the fight that they fight. I think he’s going to be a big favorite. He’s probably a huge favorite because Dan Hooker’s a striker, he’s not a grappler, he’s never been known as a grappler. I hope he can stop some takedowns and make Islam fight. We’ve seen him get knocked out before.”

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

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Manager: Tony Ferguson Turned Down UFC 267 Makhachev Fight

Islam Makhachev’s manager has revealed that Tony Ferguson has turned down a fight offer. Islam Makhachev is slated to return to the cage on October 30 at UFC 267. His original opponent, Rafael do Anjos, was forced out of the bout due to injury. The UFC has found him a replacement in Dan Hooker. However, […]

Continue Reading Manager: Tony Ferguson Turned Down UFC 267 Makhachev Fight at MMA News.

Islam Makhachev’s manager has revealed that Tony Ferguson has turned down a fight offer.

Islam Makhachev is slated to return to the cage on October 30 at UFC 267. His original opponent, Rafael do Anjos, was forced out of the bout due to injury. The UFC has found him a replacement in Dan Hooker. However, it is now released that Hooker may not have been the first option.

After a little jab by Tony Ferguson towards Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz, Abdelaziz revealed that Ferguson had been offered a fight with Makhachev and turned it down.

“UFC offered you to fight Islam October 29 and you went missing,” Abdelaziz wrote. “You talking about embarrassing my team your last two fights Justin and Beneil Play with you Smart move you didn’t fight islam he will ruin you also go to sleep Tony God bless you my friend.”

Ferguson responded to the accusation made by Abdelaziz.

Ferguson has not fought since May. His last three fights were all losses since his interim title shot against Justin Gaethje. Ferguson has been MIA from the UFC and at one point, UFC officials were reportedly unable to get in contact with him. He is 37 years old but not ready to retire just yet. Makhachev has been calling for a fight with Ferguson for a while now.

Makhachev has a new opponent for the UFC 267 event despite Ferguson’s alleged pass. Makhachev is a rising star in the division. He has won eight in a row and has pushed himself to the #5 spot in the rankings. With a win over Hooker, he could find himself within a title shot very soon. As for Ferguson, he has dropped to #6 and should be looking for a win soon.

Do you think Islam Makhachev and Tony Ferguson will ever fight?

Continue Reading Manager: Tony Ferguson Turned Down UFC 267 Makhachev Fight at MMA News.

Hooker Won’t Bring Short-Notice “Excuses” To UFC 267 Makhachev Fight

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker says he won’t be preparing any excuses heading into his clash with Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, despite taking the bout on short notice. Hooker was in action last month at UFC 266. After a difficult period leading up to the event, which saw the New Zealander clash with police over […]

Continue Reading Hooker Won’t Bring Short-Notice “Excuses” To UFC 267 Makhachev Fight at MMA News.

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker says he won’t be preparing any excuses heading into his clash with Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, despite taking the bout on short notice.

Hooker was in action last month at UFC 266. After a difficult period leading up to the event, which saw the New Zealander clash with police over his inability to train at his own empty gym due to COVID-19 restrictions, and struggle to obtain a US visa until just days before the pay-per-view, “The Hangman” made it to Vegas and faced Nasrat Haqparast inside the T-Mobile Arena.

With a mature and intelligent performance, Hooker returned to the win column with a unanimous decision over his German opponent. Having recorded back-to-back defeats to Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler prior to his September clash, Hooker’s victory was crucial in keeping him towards the top of the 155-pound division.

Miraculously, the 31-year-old signed on for another fight just days after his clash with Haqparast. After Rafael dos Anjos pulled out of UFC 267 through injury, Hooker stepped up and will now meet the surging Dagestani Makhachev on October 30.

Despite the adversity he faced ahead of UFC 266, and the short-notice nature of his upcoming bout with the Russian, Hooker says he’ll never make excuses, regardless of the result.

Speaking on a recent episode of Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, “The Hangman” said the result of his third fight of the year will be determined by who the better man is on the night, not from “preloaded excuses.”

“Nah, you’re either the best or you’re not the best. There’s no excuses. I’m not going into this fight with any preloaded excuses. Regardless of the result of this fight, you’ll never hear an excuse come out of my mouth. I didn’t take the fight for the sake of taking the fight. I take the fight because I believe I’m gonna win. That’s why I’m taking the fight. So it’s not a case of, ‘Aw, man, you’re doing this, jumpin’ in—I’m not going with a preloaded excuse. Either I beat him or I don’t beat him. He’s either the better man or he’s not the better man. Regardless of the preparation, it comes down to that night.”

Hooker also reiterated that he accepted the fight because he believes he can win. If he does so, the New Zealander would find himself back in the lightweight top-five and back in contention for a championship opportunity.

“I’m not going there to punch a ticket. I’m not going there to fight for the sake of fighting. I’m taking this fight because I’m coming to win. I’m going to win the fight. All of this, in my opinion, is for nothing if I don’t come out with my hand raised.”

UFC 267, which will be a non-pay-per-view numbered event, has been hit by a few notable withdrawals. Along with dos Anjos’ injury, UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling has also been forced to pull out of his scheduled fight. “Funk Master” had been set to defend his title for the first time in a rematch against Petr Yan. However, due to lingering neck issues, the champ won’t be able to put his belt on the line this month.

According to many, the card has become stronger with the late changes. Along with Hooker stepping in to face Makhachev, Cory Sandhagen will now be standing opposite Yan on October 30. With the interim title on the line, “The Sandman” will look to spoil the Russian’s plans of securing a rematch with Sterling when they meet in Abu Dhabi.

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

Continue Reading Hooker Won’t Bring Short-Notice “Excuses” To UFC 267 Makhachev Fight at MMA News.

Dan Hooker: Islam Makhachev Is Closest Thing To Fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov

Dan HookerDan Hooker is getting the next best thing in Islam Makhachev. Hooker made headlines recently when he decided to step in for Rafael dos Anjos and fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 267 later this month — all despite only competing last weekend. There were many reasons why the fight appealed to Hooker and being able […]

Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker is getting the next best thing in Islam Makhachev.

Hooker made headlines recently when he decided to step in for Rafael dos Anjos and fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 267 later this month — all despite only competing last weekend.

There were many reasons why the fight appealed to Hooker and being able test himself against the closest thing to former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of them.

“If I could fight any lightweight on the face of the planet, it would be Khabib,” Hooker told MMA Fighting. “I want to see how I measure up with him. It’s no lie that Islam’s the next best thing.

“Beating Islam is the only opportunity you’re going to get to show what would have happened if you got in there with Khabib when he was champion. There’s a lot of exciting aspects about this fight. It’s just another one. I feel like it’s a perfect time for this fight to come together.”

There’s also the fact that Hooker is expecting a title shot with a potential win over Makhachev.

“Everyone’s putting him on a pedestal,” Hooker added. “Every guy is showing a lot of respect for his abilities and making a lot of comparisons with Khabib. It will be a great opportunity.

“I feel like this is a massive fight. A win here puts you in title contention. That’s another thing that’s obviously exciting.”

But despite all the praise Hooker is receiving for stepping in and being a fighter’s fighter, he is not simply doing it just to get credit — he very much plans on winning.

“You’re the man if you win,” Hooker said. “I don’t fight for the sake of fighting. I fight to win. That’s my main concentration right now. I don’t want to live off the credit of taking fights. I want to life off the credit of beating the best guys in the world.”

UFC 267 takes place October 30 in Abu Dhabi and is headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira.