K. Nurmagomedov (center) is one of the main coaches of I. Makhachev (right). Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
The tough commitment to replace Rafael dos Anjos against Islam makhachev No. UFC 267 appears not to have shaken the confidence of Dan Hooker. Called up at the last minute for the challenge on October 30, the New Zealander explained why he volunteered to face one of the organization's biggest promises and with little time to prepare. The answer is related to the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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“If I could face any lightweight on the planet, it would be Khabib. I want to see how I would do against him. It is not a lie to say that Islam is second best”, explained Hooker, in an excerpt translated by 'MMA fighting'.
Respectful of Nurmagomedov, Dan knows he will hardly be able to share the octagon with the former UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg). The Russian legend left MMA in October 2020, when he overcame Justin gaethje and unified the belt. With the 'Eagle' out, Islam is considered a 'consolation prize'.
“Defeating Islam is the only opportunity to go there and show what would happen to Khabib, when he was still the champion. There are many aspects to this fight. It's just one more. I feel like it’s the right time to promote it,” he admitted.
Overcoming 'Khabib's mirror' is not just a personal goal for Hooker. According to the fighter, the desire for victory goes further, as it can bring him closer to a future fight for the belt, which currently belongs to Charles of the Bronx.
“It’s a great fight. A win puts you in title conversations. That’s another thing that’s obviously exciting,” he concluded.
Current number six in the lightweight rankings, Hooker will have his third fight of the season. The New Zealander is coming off a victory over Nasrat Haqparast at the end of September.
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