BREAKING: Islam Makhachev's team releases statement after Dan Hooker's hefty IV usage accusations
Islam Makhachev retained his lightweight strap with a unanimous decision win over Alexander Volkanovski in the main-event at UFC 284 in Perth. Volkanovski's teammate from City Kickboxing, Dan Hooker, made some serious cheating allegations about Makhachev in the aftermath of the event.
'The Hangman' accused Makhachev of using an intravenous (IV) to rehydrate after he weighed in. Makhachev's co-manager, Rizvan Magomedov, has now strongly denied all allegations of cheating, labeling Hooker a 'salty' loser looking for attention. Magomedov said in a statement to MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn:
“We all know this is completely BS. The guy is a loser. He’s salty and just looking for attention, and that’s it.”
He also posted a tweet about 'Jealous losers', seemingly directed at 'The Hangman'.
Dan Hooker, who lost to Islam Makhachev at UFC 257 in 2021, accused the Dagestani of hiring a nurse to administer the IV injection. Hooker wrote:
"Dumb cunt thinks he can fly to Australia hire a nurse to give him an I.V and we won’t find out. Cheating dog."
As per USADA rules, an athlete can face a suspension of up to two years if IV use is proven.
Alexander Volkanovski has also alluded to Islam Makhachev's IV use in the lead up to their UFC 284 clash.