‘To Me, He’s Just Another Body’- Dan Hooker Says He Will Beat Islam Makhachev on Short Notice
Follow Us
UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker spoke to The Mac Life following the news of him facing Islam Makhachev. ‘The Hangman’ is merely a week removed from his decision victory against Nasrat Haqparast, which got him back to winning ways. He has now opted for a quick turnaround and will go head-to-head against the boogeyman of the division.
When speaking to Oscar Willis, Hooker talked about what it meant to step up on short notice to fight Makhachev. Facing Makhachev is a task that several lightweight fighters would likely avoid, let alone on short notice. However, Hooker sees it as an opportunity to become the first man to triumph over the Russian mauler in recent years.
“He’s got a bit of the Khabib mystique has rubbed off him and his last few performances have been fairly dominant. Like I’ve trained with Drew [Dober] and the way that he fought Drew was pretty decisive… “
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“There’s definite skill there but I would love to be the first one to get out there and just make him look human…People can say whatever they’re going to say like ‘Oh this guy is unbeatable, this guy is untouchable. I’ve been in the gym with these guys like they all bleed.”
Hooker went on to say that Makhachev was merely another body in front of him under the bright lights.
“They all get tired, they all get injured, they all get hurt and I know I can put anyone’s lights out. To everyone else, he’s kind of this mysterious character that’s got a lot of mystique and invincibility. To he’s just another body.”
Thiago Moises Returns To UFC Action Against Joel Alvarez at UFC Fight Night
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dan Hooker: Can’t stop, won’t stop
Hooker is supremely confident in his ability to maneuver through the crowd and come out on top against the very best. He has faced all corners so far and there doesn’t seem to be any challenge he’s not willing to undertake.
Should he manage to upset the Russian grappling sensation, Dan Hooker will find himself on the shortlist for a title shot. However, given Islam Makhachev’s recent performances, he certainly won’t be an outright favorite to reign supreme.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
“Looks Just as Confused” – Justin Gaethje Receives Untoward Backlash From Fans After UFC 300 Max Holloway KO
April 15, 2024 11:59 AM EDT
What Is Wrong With Joe Rogan’s Gut? Does UFC Commentator Have Palumboism Because of TRT and HGH?
April 16, 2024 04:50 AM EDT
“Disrespectful” – Joe Rogan Doesn’t Interview Aljamain Sterling at UFC 300 for Surprising Reason
April 14, 2024 03:29 AM EDT
UFC 300: Dana White Rolls Out Over $25M in Total Payout as Alex Pereira, Jamahal Hill Headlined Fighters Receive Compliance Pay
April 15, 2024 03:54 PM EDT
Are Smelling Salts Allowed in the UFC? Joe Rogan’s Objection During Yan Xiaonan vs Weili Zhang at UFC 300 Explained
April 14, 2024 03:37 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Watch this story: Top 5 Biggest Rivalries in the History of the UFC