Nasrat Haqparast vs. Dan Hooker fight still in jeopardy following more visa issues

MMA News
Nasrat Haqparast vs. Dan Hooker fight still in jeopardy following more visa issues

The Nasrat Haqparast vs. Dan Hooker fight has been a roller coaster of emotions. First, Haqparast announced that his mother had died but he would still fight, despite many fans urging him to take the time off. Then, Hooker was left stranded in New Zealand with visa issues that made many wonder if it would be Hooker who would call the fight off.

Thankfully his visa was approved and the fight appeared to be a go. Then late Monday night Haqparast took to Twitter in a last ditch effort to beg the US Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany to approve his visa to come to the US, a problem that fans had no idea was even occurring. 

“I understand that due to COVID 19 it’s difficult for the visa process right now but this is my last chance,” Haqparast wrote. 

Both fighters are scheduled for the UFC 266 media day event on Wednesday but that seems unlikely for both men seeing as the flight time for both will set them back significantly. They also both still need to cut weight for Friday morning weigh-ins. Many fans and media have called for a catchweight for the two seeing as they both have extenuating circumstances. 

The fight has turned much bigger than anyone had thought it would, increasing the public interest and raising the stakes for them both. Unfortunately, pushing the fight back doesn’t appear to be an option due to Hooker’s visa and lengthy quarantine time. 

We’ll have to wait and see what happens and if both fighters make it to UFC 266 on Saturday. 

Nasrat Haqparast vs. Dan Hooker fight still in jeopardy following more visa issues