Islam Makhachev responds to Dan Hooker's criticism: 'beat someone and then we'll talk'

I. Makhachev (left) won at UFC Vegas 31. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After finishing Thiago Moses in the fourth round in a dominant performance in the main event of UFC Las Vegas 31, Islam makhachev attracted the spotlight in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) of Ultimate. Not everyone, however, was convinced by the Russian's performance last Saturday.

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Eighth place in the ranking, Dan Hooker claimed that Makhachev is on a good run of results because he “copied his homework Khabib Nurmagomedov”. The New Zealander also stated that Islam cannot be compared to the former champion, as he has already been knocked out in the octagon.

Hooker's comments did not go unanswered by the Russian, who took to social media. Makhachev said the New Zealander refused to face him last year and wished his rival luck.

“I have eight consecutive wins, this guy has lost three of his last six fights. I wanted to confront him last year, but he was scared and wouldn't even mention my name. Dan Hooker, I wish you good luck in your next fights. Beat someone and we can talk,” Makhachev teased.

Since being knocked out by Adriano Martins at UFC 192 in October 2015, Islam makhachev You don't know what it's like to lose. The Russian scored eight consecutive victories in the lightweight division and is seen by many as the successor to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Dan Hooker, in turn, comes from two consecutive defeats against Michael chandler e Dustin poirier. The New Zealander's last victory occurred in February 2020, when he beat Paul felder.