Fresh off his UFC 266 win over Nasrat Haqparast two and a half weeks ago, Dan Hooker decided to make a quick turnaround and fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 267. “The Hangman” replaced former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos, who was forced to withdraw due to injury.
It was indeed a valiant effort on Hooker to step in on short notice the highly-touted Makhachev. But for manager Ali Abdelaziz, the Kiwi may only be in it for the payday.
“Much respect to Hooker, they can say whatever they want. He’s showing up for a payday, and I respect Hooker a lot,” Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie.