Dan Hooker has stepped in on short notice to take on Islam Makhachev at UFC 267 later this month. Makhachev was originally set to face the former lightweight king Rafael Dos Anjos. However, that fight fell apart yet again with Dos Anjos the one having to pull out due to injury.

Hooker has just defeated Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 266. ‘The Hangman’ earned a decision in his favor. Many believed it was technically impossible for him to fill out for Dos Anjos. But, Hooker showed his fighting spirit once again as he takes on one of the most formidable forces of the lightweight division on short notice.

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

“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,” he added.

Can Dan Hooker beat Islam Makhachev?

Hooker is an excellent striker and has the heart of a warrior. Also, it seems like the fact that people gove Makhachev the treatment of a special fighter has charged him up even more.

“Everyone’s putting him on a pedestal. 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,” said ‘The Hangman’.

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He showed a rather unfamiliar side of him in his fight against Haqparast. The Kiwi fighter used his grappling to his advantage. If Hooker can showcase his complete arsenal of skills and grind out a win against Makhachev at UFC 267, remains to be seen.

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