“There’s too much risk,” Dan Hooker takes another dig at fierce rival Islam Makhachev over ‘ducking’ Arman Tsarukyan rematch

Dan Hooker weighs in on Islam Makhachev's avoidance of a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan as a risky affair.

“There’s too much risk,” Dan Hooker takes another dig at fierce rival Islam Makhachev over ‘ducking’ Arman Tsarukyan rematch

Dan Hooker talks about Islam Makhachev avoiding Arman Tsarukyan-rematch (Source: IMAGO/Twitter)

Dan Hooker and Islam Makhachev do not like each other. Hooker ignited more fire into their heated rivalry using the name of Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan defeated Beneil Dariush and called out Makhachev. However, Makhachev wanted fresh matchups for his next fight rather than a rematch against Tsarukyan. Hooker used it to once again bash Makhachev.

Makhahchev recently defeated Hooker’s teammate Alexander Volkanovksi at UFC 294. Hooker spoke with Ariel Helwani about the future title fights in the division. Hooker considered Arman Tsarukyan to have the skill set to defeat Makhachev. This is what Hooker said:

Yeah, [Tsarukyan] could beat him. [Islam’s] not going to fight him. I guarantee he’ll retire by the time Arman gets there, for sure. It’s too risky, there’s too much risk. There’s too many other easier fights out there that he’d rather fight. There’s easier fights out there, stylistically...
Dan Hooker via MMA Hour
YouTube video

Tsarukyan and the Dagestani squared off at UFC Fight Night on April 20th, 2019. The 21-3 Armenian is one of the only lightweight prospects that Makhachev couldn’t dominate outright. But, Hooker thought that Makhachev might be unwilling to let a rematch play out at this point in his career. Hooker believed more easier matchups with big names exists for Makhachev.

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Conversely, Tsarukyan needs a few more wins for a title contention shot. Makhachev, though has turned down the scope of a rematch with Charles Oliveira or Tsarukyan, calling out Justin Gaethje instead. Only time will if Hooker’s prediction on Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan rematch will happen or not

Dan Hooker chokes a radio show host to sleep

Dan Hooker re-injured his hand after injuring it during his UFC 290 fight against Jalin Turner. He won the fight via split decision. However, he broke his arm in the process. Hooker was supposed to face Bobby Green in December 2023. However, the injury sidelined him.

Dan Hooker, who underwent surgery recently, chokes out a radio show host
Dan Hooker, who underwent surgery recently, chokes out a radio show host (Source: Twitter)

Hooker has also provided periodic updates about his post-surgery recovery. During the recovery process, he went on a radio show. However, his appearance became chaotic as he choked the radio host.

The incident was during an appearance on The Morning Rumble, where Mitch Farr, one of the show’s producers, had requested the stint. The video shows a recovering Hooker clinching the rival playfully in three short tries before putting him out. Recently Hooker, who underwent a bone marrow transfusion, said that he is aiming for a May bounceback.

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