Following UFC 284

On Saturday night Islam Makhachev secured his spot as number-one on the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings thanks to a close, though still impressive, decision win over Alexander Volkanovski. The win also saw him defend his UFC lightweight title for the first time. Someone who was not impressed by Makhachev’s win is Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker, a teammate of Volkanovski’s over at City Kickboxing. Hooker, who currently sits 11th in the lightweight rankings, accused Makhachev of using an illegal rehydration method ahead of this weekend’s big fight. “Thinks he can fly to Australia hire a nurse to give him an I.V [sic] and we won’t find out,” wrote Hooker. “Cheating dog.”

Islam is a cheat. https://t.co/bIdk13C26P

— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) February 13, 2023

Hooker would later add more tweets accusing Makhachev of cheating.

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.

— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) February 13, 2023

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) banned the use of IVs by UFC athletes in 2019. Prior to that it was common practise for fighters to use slam Makhachev has claimed the number-one spot on the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings after successfully defending his lightweight title against Alexander Volkanovski on Saturday night. However, Dan “The Hangman” Hooker, a teammate of Volkanovski’s, accused Makhachev of cheating by using an illegal rehydration method prior to the fight. Hooker suggested that Makhachev had used an IV, which is prohibited by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for UFC athletes since 2019. USADA prohibits the use of IVs in excess of 100 mL per 12-hour period, except for medically justified cases. The rule is in place to protect athlete health and safety, as well as to prevent IVs from being used to manipulate drug test results.

In 2016, Makhachev tested positive for meldonium, a banned substance that increases blood flow. However, USADA cleared him of any wrongdoing and did not impose a suspension, as Makhachev claimed to have taken the substance after a heart procedure in 2015. Since then, Makhachev has not tested positive for any other banned substances or procedures during his UFC career.

While Makhachev’s win was impressive, Hooker’s accusations have added an element of controversy to the situation. UFC fans will have to wait to see how this drama unfolds and whether any action will be taken against Makhachev.