Dan Hooker is a teammate of Alexander Volkanovski from City Kickboxing. After Volkanovski vs Makhachev at UFC 284, Hooker accused Islam Makhachev of foul play after their intense face-off.
The allegations revolved around Makhachev’s suspected use of IV injections to replenish his energy following a strict weight cut prior to the match.
This controversy had been subtly hinted at by Volkanovski earlier. According to the stringent regulations set by the USADA, any IV usage exceeding 100 mL within a 12-hour window is strictly prohibited unless backed by a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Failing to follow this rule could potentially lead to a two-year suspension.
But Makhachev’s co-manager Rizwan Magomedov along with Ali Abdelaziz, vehemently denied the allegations. They attributed them to the disappointment of Alexander Volkanovski and his team with the bout’s outcome.
Recently, the UFC has decided to sever its ties with the USADA. The promotion has opted instead to establish its own in-house PED-testing program. This move has been part of a broader feud that also involves UFC icon Conor McGregor.
In a recent episode of The MMA Hour featuring Alexander Volkanovski, Ariel Helwani wanted to seek insight into any concerns the Australian combatant might harbor regarding Makhachev’s potential IV usage leading up to UFC 294.
Volkanovski replied: “I’m staying away from all that. I’ve just got a job to do and we’ll just settle it. I don’t care. I’ll just pack my skills but I will not get into that.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov recently provided his perspective on the first showdown between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.
With Charles Oliveira’s unforeseen withdrawal from UFC 294, Volkanovski wasted no time seizing the opportunity for redemption against Makhachev.
In a recent episode of the ‘Anatomy of a Fighter’ documentary series, Khabib acknowledged that Makhachev’s victory in the first bout was devoid of any controversy.
He stated: “First fight, it was very good, very competitive fight but we know and they team know we win unanimous decision. It was not even split decision, it was unanimous decision…’Volk’ was looking good on that fight but he lose, and he knows, his team know, and all world know he lose.”