Islam Makhachev was successful in his first-ever title defense against Alexander Volkanovski this past weekend. However, he has faced allegations of cheating in the UFC 284 main event. Fellow lightweight fighter, Dan Hooker, was quite vocal about his thoughts on Islam Makhachev‘s cheating accusations. But the lightweight champ’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov, has assured the MMA world that it is not true.
‘The Hangman’ Hooker trained with Alexander Volkanovski in City Kickboxing gym, based in New Zealand. He was present during the prize fight at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia. Hooker made a sensational claim that Islam Makhachev had used intravenous (IV) after his weigh-in to rehydrate his body.
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Islam is a cheat. https://t.co/bIdk13C26P
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) February 13, 2023
Intravenous fluids are very effective in losing weight. And considering Makhachev‘s past failures to make weight, Dan Hooker felt as if the Dagestani had tried to cheat his way to victory against ‘The Great’ Volkanovski. Even the Aussie fighter joined hangs with ‘The Hangman’ in the accusations. However, Rizvan Magomedov has issued a response to the Kiwi fighter’s accusations.
Fans react to the tweet by the manager of Islam Makhachev
Rizvan Magomedov denied the allegations of the lightweight champion cheating to win at UFC 284. He also labeled Dan Hooker as being salty and a loser. He took to social media to express his disgust at the claims by ‘The Hangman’.
Jealous losers speeding lies, eventually this is all you can do
— Rizvan Magomedov (@Rizvan_RM) February 14, 2023
Let us take a look at some of the reactions from Twitter users to Magomedov’s post:
A Twitter user seemingly agreed with Makhachev’s manager’s statement and commented:
i just put in here pic.twitter.com/DUTkaVC3uE
— Khabib's slippers (@TanyaKhaChi) February 14, 2023
An MMA fan claimed that the Dagestani champion did not look like he cheated and showed tremendous sportsmanship after the fight.
It’s shame on them, he looked honorable
— adem shifa (@ademshifa) February 14, 2023
Another fan claimed that Makhachev’s winning ways will certainly garner hate from others.
They don’t have anything expect to hate
— Nawaz Shah (@nawaz_shahh) February 14, 2023
One couple of Twitter users suggested that Magomedov should file a lawsuit against Dan Hooker for defamation.
File a lawsuit against hooker for defamation. He’s just trying to ruin Islams parade like a sore loser and help his teammate build a case for a rematch.
— brian (@cryptobrian125) February 14, 2023
Atleast threaten him with a defamation case .
— Ryan MMA (@Michaelchandlr) February 14, 2023
Another user agreed with Makhachev’s manager and referred to Dan Hooker as a ‘little worm’.
Of course brother!
Look at this little worm 👇 pic.twitter.com/zqkZz258g5— Send Me Location (@ControlYourHips) February 14, 2023
Would never doubt our champ @MAKHACHEVMMA . He has too much integrity to do something like this. #1
— khabib’s hairline (@gulxaton) February 14, 2023
One MMA fan believes that cheating is beneath Islam Makhachev, while also calling him the number 1 fighter.
USADA has prohibited the use of intravenous infusions and injections. But it can be administered in case of hospital admissions. Rizvan Magomedov also spoke in a recent interview that Dan Hooker‘s claims on Islam Makhachev were “completely BS” and that he was seeking to get some attention by taking a shot at the best lightweight in UFC. Moreover, fans also believe that Hooker is still isn’t over his first-round submission loss to the Dagestan native, back in UFC 267.
What are your thoughts on Islam Makhachev’s UFC 284 win? Drop your comments below.
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Written by
Edited by
Vineet Nandwana