New Zealand’s proudest lightweight, Dan Hooker, believes he’s finally ready to fight for a title. He’s set to take on Islam Makhachev, one of the most widely hyped fighters in the game, at UFC 267. Hooker knows that if he can manage a victory over Makhachev, it will send waves through the lightweight rankings.
He told MMAJunkie.com that he expects to be in a “two-man conversation” for the lightweight strap when he wins. “Without a doubt, (with a win), you put yourself in that title picture.
Dan Hooker Believes a Win Over Islam Makhachev Puts Him in Title Conversation
You’re like one in a two-man conversation. It’s here after this fight and then it’s the (Justin) Gaethje-(Michael) Chandler winner. It’s like, how the title fight plays out, it’s like, well, if Oliveira wins and Chandler wins then do we really want to see that again?
A lot of different things can happen. But yeah, you’re one of two guys that could get a title shot from this. Of course, it’s a very real possibility.”
Hooker’s estimation of the lightweight rankings may not be too far off the mark. Reigning champion Charles Oliveira will face Dustin Poirier at UFC 269 in December. Justin Gaethje will face Michael Chandler at UFC 268 the month before.
Both Gaethje and Chandler are coming off failed title challenges, against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, respectively. Regardless of who wins the Oliveria vs Poirier fight, they will probably have to face the Gaethje vs Chandler winner. Afterwards, should the UFC avoid the round robin approach, Dan Hooker may well get his chance.
When you consider that Islam Makhachev is widely touted as the heir to retired champ Khabib Numagomedov’s legacy, Hooker’s prediction seems all the more likely. Regardless of the hype around Islam, or perhaps because of it, Dan “The Hangman” Hooker is looking forward to the scrap.
“The fight is sold. The fight has a storyline. The fight doesn’t need anything added to the storyline. Nothing has come out of his mouth. He ain’t said a word like this. People around him are saying things. But I’m not going to argue with them. I’m fighting that guy. I’m not fighting that guy over there or that guy in the corner.
He doesn’t say nothing, so I don’t feel like I’ve got to say anything.” Do you think Dan Hooker deserves a title shot, or will he crumble before Makhachev like so many before him? Let us know in the comments.
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