Ex-opponent spills truth about ‘Myth of Khabib’ affecting him before facing Islam Makhachev
The legendary status of Khabib Nurmagomedov affected Kiwi fighter Dan Hooker before he fought Islam Makhachev in 2021.
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Dan Hooker talks about Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov (Image via Open Source)
Dan ‘Hangman’ Hooker is #6 in the UFC lightweight rankings, known for his striking, toughness, and exciting fighting style. The Kiwi fighter has fought multiple top lightweights in his career. The current champion Islam Makhachev once dominated Hooker in a three-round fight. Three years later, the champion’s ex-opponent has opened about the matchup.
According to ‘Hangman‘, the Dagestani fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev has a certain aura. Their opponents usually over-analyze the potential challenges, increasing the fear of the aura surrounding these champions. As such, Hooker pointed out the mental challenge before facing Makhachev in a recent interview on the Submission Radio.
The myth of it is bigger than the actual task…the myth of Khabib and that’s bled into Makhachev…
Dan Hooker via Submission Radio
In 2021, Hooker took Makhachev in a short-notice fight. In the interview with Submission Radio, Hooker recalled how he took the fight on short notice as well. As the fight neared, the pressure built on Hooker, with Makhachev’s rise and Nurmagomedov’s influence making him a tough opponent to face. Eventually, the Kiwi fighter lost via Kimura submission in the first round.
Fast-forward to late 2024, Hooker has regained his spot in the top 10 of the lightweight division. Meanwhile, Makhachev is rumored to face Arman Tsarukyan in his fourth lightweight title defense. ‘Hangman’ has also indicated that he wants to face the current BMF champion Max Holloway as well. However, he faces competition from an old opponent for the BMF title shot.
Dan Hooker shuts down Michael Chandler’s call for BMF belt
It was Dan Hooker, who welcomed Michael Chandler into the UFC in 2021. Their UFC 257 co-main event fight didn’t go past the first round. Now, three years later, Chandler wants something that Hooker desires. However, the Kiwi fighter will not sit aside while Chandler gets what he wants.
Chandler lost his rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. Nevertheless, ‘Iron’ called for a shot at the BMF belt during his octagon interview. However, his old rival didn’t shut it down. Chandler’s call for a BMF belt was met with a blend of sarcasm and doubt from Hooker.
The BMF title is for the fans. It’s up to them… people need to stop calling out for the BMF title.
Dan Hooker via Submission Radio.
Dan Hooker wasn’t impressed with Michael Chandler calling for the BMF belt after his loss at #UFC309:
— Submission Radio (@SubmissionRadio) November 18, 2024
“𝐁𝐌𝐅 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬…𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐌𝐅… pic.twitter.com/X86633zxxH
The future of Chandler, Hooker and the BMF title remains unknown at the moment. Max Holloway has indicated that he will move to the lightweight division permanently. This comes after his KO loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308. As such, either Hooker or Chandler remains a suitable opponent for Holloway if the UFC books another BMF title.
Related: Jon Jones celebrates $16 million record-breaking sales at Madison Square Garden for UFC 309
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Nidhin Shibu
(2535 Articles Published)