- Islam Makhachev’s co-manager bluntly dismissed Dan Hooker’s claim that the lightweight champ cheated at UFC 284
- Makhachev’s co-manager thinks “The Hangman” was just being a typical loser who wants attention
Apart from the seemingly controversial decision, Islam Makhacehv’s alleged usage of I.V. at UFC 284 has also become a hot subject of discussion in the sport. Alexander Volkanovski’s teammate Dan Hooker recently accused Makhachev of using I.V., a practice that has been banned in the UFC, to rehydrate after the weigh-ins.
Makhachev’s team has now responded and outright called it nothing but a clout-chasing act by “The Hangman.”
Losers will be losers
Addressing the issue in a recent interview, Makhachev’s co-manager Rizvan Magomedov dismissed Hooker’s allegations, referring to it as “complete BS.” Magomedov is certain “The Hangman” was just being “salty” because Makhachev beat him in the past and now his City Kickboxing teammate.
“We all know this is completely BS,” Magomedov said. “The guy is a loser. He’s salty and just looking for attention, and that’s it.”
For those who may have missed it, Makhachev made quick work of Hooker at UFC 267 in October 2021 when he submitted “The Hangman” in the very first round.
In his rant, Hooker hasn’t shown any proof that Makhachev used I.V. but was insistent about his claim. HE even challenges everybody to come out and prove him wrong.
Any type of I.V. usage has been illegal in the UFC but USADA has made an exception only for those fighters who received an IV “in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures or clinical investigations.”
Volk is still No. 1
Another thing that would surely generate buzz from this point forward is the UFC’s decision to retain Volkanovski’s reign as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter despite losing to the No. 2 Makhachev. What made it even more interesting, Makhachev was so sure about dethroning Volk, proclaiming himself as “the best fighter in the world” before the UFC even updated its official rankings.
Many have been talking about a rematch between Makhachev and Volkanovski but nothing is concrete at this point. However, Islam’s coach Javier Mendez thinks the UFC will consider green-lighting a rematch sooner or later.
All quotes via MMA Junkie.
