“The Visa Was the Only Thing Stopping Me”- Dan Hooker All Set to Face Nasrat Haqparast After a Last Minute Visa Approval
Follow Us
via Getty
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JUNE 28: Dan Hooker of New Zealand celebrates after winning the UFC Featherweight bout between Dan Hooker of New Zealand and Ian Entwistle of England on June 28, 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
UFC lightweight Dan Hooker will take on Nasrat Haqparast this weekend in an intriguing lightweight clash. However, his fight was almost off, as ‘The Hangman’ was unable to get timely approval of his visa to travel to the United States. He went on social media to ask for help for the same.
Now, the Kiwi has finally been granted his visa. Hence, he is set to land in the US on Thursday, make weight on Friday and fight on Saturday. Many believe it’s still a rocky road for Hooker, but he is confident those issues won’t affect him and he will put on a show at UFC 266 against Haqparast.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hooker appeared at the latest edition of The MMA Hour show to have a chat with Ariel Helwani. He revealed the issues he had to face and how things were finally cleared up for good.
Dan Hooker details troubles in getting the visa
As Hooker is a top name of the 155 lbs division of the UFC, it’s understandable why fans were concerned about missing out on the chance to see him fight. But, ‘The Hangman’ has confirmed he will feature on the preliminary card of this weekend’s pay-per-view.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’ll be there. That’s all in the clear. The visa was the only thing stopping me. Last Friday here in New Zealand, my flight was Sunday, and the consulate got in touch with me and said, ‘We’re not gonna be able to process the visa until the end of (next) week,” said Hooker. (h/t MMAFighting.com)
Trending
“He Cannot Push Me” – Islam Makhachev Exposed 6-Time Wrestling Champ Jordan Burroughs in Front of Daniel Cormier Last Year
April 22, 2024 09:38 AM EDT
Violently Threatening Conor McGregor Takes a Bad Turn for 50 Cent as UFC World Condemns Rapper After Beef Resurfaces
April 23, 2024 01:53 PM EDT
“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flares Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator
April 16, 2024 05:03 AM EDT
Is Ian Garry vs. Colby Covington Confirmed at Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 Card? Fans React After Leaked Rumors
April 24, 2024 08:02 PM EDT
UFC 304 Manchester Card’s Disappointing News Leaves Pros & Fans Upset Over Rumored Tom Aspinall, Leon Edwards’ Event
April 24, 2024 09:20 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 26: In this handout image provided by UFC, Dan Hooker of New Zealand poses on the scale during the UFC weigh-in at UFC APEX on June 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“I had done so much work to get to this point, so I went to social media. I went to MMA Twitter, I was on the 6:00 news here in New Zealand on a few different stations, everyone getting behind me and just bombarding the consulate. Everyone was submitting like, ‘Get Dan Hooker his visa, full applications,” he added.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Mike Tyson and Nick Diaz Link Up on Hotboxin’ Podcast
Dan Hooker has been able to get his permission with the help of others. Hence, he will look to maximize the chance and put an end to his two-fight skid as he takes on a promising contender in Haqparast this weekend at UFC 266.
Written by:
