Khabib Nurmagomedov gives Dan Hooker only a puncher’s chance against his protege, Islam Makhachev.
Originally scheduled to face former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, Makhachev (20-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) will now face Hooker (21-10 MMA, 11-6 UFC) on Oct. 30 at UFC 267 after RDA withdrew.
Hooker is fresh off his win over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 266 and despite having competed against the likes of jiu-jitsu ace Gilbert Burns and NCAA Division I All-American and former Bellator lightweight champ Michael Chandler, Nurmagomedov doesn’t see Hooker having an answer to Makhachev’s ground game.
“Islam vs. Dan Hooker is gonna be a very big challenge for Islam,” Nurmagomedov said during an interview in front of fans in Harrogate, U.K. “It’s gonna be a good challenge. He’s (Hooker) No. 6 in the rankings, but I think Hooker never fought someone like Islam. All his fights have been against striker. I don’t know what he’s going to do with Islam’s wrestling, pressure, dominance on the ground, how he’s gonna stop him. Only one thing he has is a lucky punch. Without this, 99 percent Islam mauls him.”
Currently riding an eight-fight winning streak, Makhachev is coming off back-to-back submission finishes of Drew Dober and Thiago Moises. The 30-year-old has long been touted as a future champion, and now that his teammate and mentor Nurmagomedov is retired, he’s ready to carry the torch with “The Eagle” in his corner.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: Islam Makhachev mauls Dan Hooker, whose only chance is ‘lucky punch’
