Makhachev will knock out Dan Hooker in no time
Khabib Nurmagovmedov thinks that the only way for Dan Hooker defeat Islam Makhachev is by luck. He believes that only a very lucky punch will make that happen. Makhachev is a Nurmagomedov's pupil, who is supposed to fight Rafael dos Anjos at the UFC in October.
Still, the Brazillian was forced out of the fight while Hooker took the fight on short notice. Nurmagomedov expects Makhachev to maul Hooker. Nurmagomedov commented that this fight will be a huge challenge for Islam.
He also added that it's gonna be a good challenge as Hooker is No. 6 in the rankings. However, Hooker never fought anyone like Islam, which will make this fight especially interesting. All of his fights were against a striker.
Islam's wrestling, pressure and dominance on the ground might be a situation in which Hooker won't be able to manage. He will need to train hard to be able to stop him. However, all he needs is one lucky punch. If he doesn't manage to do that, Islam will take charge.
Islam Makhachev has mauled most of his opponents in his last fights and even dominated Thiago Moises in fourth-round submission during his first UFC main event. Before that, he has submitted Drew Dober at the UFC 259 and controlled him across the entire match.