UFC 266 Prelims: Dan Hooker vs Nasrat Haqparast- Prediction and Analysis

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is back in action this weekend with UFC 266. The pay-per-view is around the corner and the fight card has a number of amazing fights lined up. One of them is the lightweight bout between Dan Hooker and Nasrat Haqparast.

The highly anticipated featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega will headline the event. While the lightweight bout will take place on the preliminary card for UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The lightweight division boasts of many outstanding fighters. ‘The Hangman’ is currently #8 in the division. While Haqparast is yet to be included in the rankings. Both the fighters will look to grab a win this weekend to solidify their name in the division.

Ahead of the lightweight bout, we look at the career of both the fighters to compare their strength and weaknesses and come close to a conclusion on how the scrap could possibly end.

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Dan Hooker vs Nusrat Haqparast: Analysis

‘The Hangman’ made his UFC debut back in 2014. He has an impressive professional MMA record to his name. Hooker was 4-0 in the UFC from 2017 to 2018. However,  the Kiwi faced a hard time after 2019. He is currently on a two-fight skid.

Meanwhile, Haqparast has had a decent career of 13-1 in the UFC. He is yet to be included in the rankings. However, the German fighter is currently on a two-fight win streak and is 4-1 in his last five fights.

Coming to the fight, Hooker is a skilled finisher with 17 wins via finishes. Also, the Kiwi has faced many big names in the promotion. However, Haqparast is yet to fight someone with such a caliber.

It won’t be a walk in the park for Haqparast to face the skilled finisher inside the cage. The latter also has a reach advantage of five inches. However, considering Haqparast’s dominance in his previous fights, he might survive all the rounds in the bout.

It is incredibly hard to go up against Hooker’s amazing kickboxing skills and sharp elbows. Hence, it will be a huge test for Haqparast. He might survive the rounds, but a win via decision might not be possible. Hence he must look for a finish against Hooker.

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