‘To Me, He’s Just Another Body’- Dan Hooker Says He Will Beat Islam Makhachev on Short Notice

Published 10/01/2021, 10:27 AM EDT

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… “

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“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.”

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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.

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Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.

‘To Me, He’s Just Another Body’- Dan Hooker Says He Will Beat Islam Makhachev on Short Notice

Dan Hooker: Can’t stop, won’t stop

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