Islam Makhachev vs Dan Hooker: Hooker’s only chance is a lucky punch

On October 30, UFC Fight Island in the UAE will host the UFC 267 tournament, which will feature many Russian fighters. Here is a prediction for the fight between Islam Makhachev and Dan Hooker.

For many years people have had the highest hopes for Makhachev, and if everything had gone according to plan he would have become the lightweight champion long ago. But it didn’t happen as his opponents were quite mediocre, so there have been no good fights. Now he was supposed to fight dos Anjos, but he suddenly got sick. Good thing Dan Hooker showed up, a guy with a name, too, and he fit in as a replacement for some good money.

In fact, Hooker is the strongest opponent Islam has ever had, but you can’t tell that looking at the odds offered by the bookmakers. The reasons are simple – Hooker is very convenient for Makhachev with his hit-or-die style, and on top of that, he is facing his second consecutive weight race in a month.

«I know I have to finish Dan Hooker. I try to finish all my opponents, and I finished my last two opponents. But I have to show people, show the UFC how high my level is because very soon I’ll have to fight for the title. That's why I'm gonna try to finish him by all means.»

Islam Makhachev

Hooker has a record of 21 wins and 10 losses in MMA. His last fight was on September 25 when the New Zealander won by unanimous decision over Afghanistan's Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 266.

It’s always interesting to look at the objective measurements before making a prediction.

«We're not fighting in the gym, we're fighting in a cage – you can't keep the distance all the time. He has to turn around and just run away from me. I'm going to totally press him, put pressure on him, and the cage is going to prevent him from keeping his distance. I've brought in a couple of guys like that who are taller than me. In sparring, I tell them, "Get up and drop your knees." We're trying to pick sparring partners so as there’s no danger in the fights, so I can see everything. I wouldn't say Hooker's technique is such that he cheats. If we talk about his teammate Israel Adesanya, he has more feints. On the first try, the first opportunity, I want to finish Hooker. On the ground, I think.»

Islam Makhachev

Most experts predict that Hooker's chances are slim, only in a lucky punch. Here are some of the predictions:

«Islam is a beast. He's young, very hungry. There was a time when I had to win every round, but now it's time for Islam to beat every opponent in every round. Dan Hooker has never faced an opponent like Islam. He's mostly fought punchers. I can't imagine how he can handle Islam's pressure, wrestling, and dominance on the ground. What will he be able to counter that? His only chance is a lucky punch. There's a 99% chance Islam will blow him away.»

Khabib Nurmagomedov

«You know Hooker is going to try to stop the takedowns, try to catch Makhachev coming in with maybe a hook, knee up the middle or anything. I mean the guy is a warrior. He is a true warrior, and he is a true fighter and taking the fight on short notice. I think it goes down when Islam wants to take him down. He’s such a master at takedowns. If he doesn’t take him in the wrestling, he’s gonna trip him, he’s gonna flip him, sweep him. There are so many ways Islam can take him down. Hooker has a chance to catch Islam: he has to knock him out to win. Hooker can't win by decision, but he can catch Islam with a knockout punch.»

Javier Mendez

«Hooker’s only chance is to hit and knock out Makhachev. There’s no other option. There’s 90% chance that Makhachev will take him apart. Their level is different. Makhachev has a very strong wrestling style and he does not open up in a standup fight, he fights very carefully. In this fight, he will be just as careful to keep his distance, not to throw unnecessary punches, try to press and pass, do his job. And Hooker won't get up from under him at all.»

Arman Tsarukyan

You cannot argue with such respected people. Therefore, I think that the best option for the fight from 1xbet is Total Under (2.5) for 2.3.