D. Hooker at a press conference at UFC 267. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
With just a month of preparation, Dan Hooker has one of the most difficult challenges today: stopping the 'hype' of Islam makhachev. The New Zealander, who faces the Russian on the main card of the UFC 267, reveals that he accepted the challenge of replacing Rafael dos Anjos because he believes he can emerge victorious in combat.
See too
“I want to fight him because he is considered the best grappler in the category. I want to fight the best fighters in the world, and he is considered one of them. That's why I want to fight him. I don't want to fight him because I think he's an easy target. It makes no sense to devalue it. He deserved everything he achieved. This is his party, but I'm just here to ruin it. That's my whole plan,” Hooker said in an interview on 'half day' to the event.
A professional in mixed martial arts since 2009, Hooker was under pressure with two defeats in a row – against Dustin poirier e Michael chandler – and recovered when passing through Nasrat Haqparast in the unanimous decision of the judges, on September 25th. Therefore, the New Zealander will have just over a month to prepare for the clash. In his career, there are 21 triumphs and ten setbacks.
Islam makhachev, in turn, comes from eight consecutive victories in the octagon, with the Russian's last victim being the Brazilian Thiago Moses, in July this year. Pointed out, by many, as the 'successor' of Khabib Nurmagomedov In the lightweight category (up to 70,3kg.), he has a record of 20 positive results and one negative result as a professional.
You need login To comment.