“Ask Hooker Find the Nurse” – Islam Makhachev’s Photo Goes Viral With Apparent Proof of IV; Manager Replies

Islam Makhachev defended his belt against Alexander Volkanovski. The fight was a five-round, exciting affair. The judge’s decision decided the winner. Although days have passed since the event, a controversy has been going around that Islam Makhachev used IV after his weigh-in to gain strength. Dan Hooker, who fought Islam Makhachev at UFC 257 in 2021, leveled the accusation. Dan Hooker‘s accusations have also drawn reactions from Islam Makhachev‘s team. The lightweight champ’s co-manager Rizwan Magomedov recently released a statement regarding the accusations by Hooker. The team has called Dan Hooker salty and a loser.

A fresh picture shared by a fan, however, may have opened a can of worms. A user shared a picture that’s said to be Islam Makhachev‘s, showed a mark that appeared to be from an IV needle puncture. The mark was just below the elbow in the inner fold of the arm. Rizwan Magomedov responded on Twitter saying, “Mandatory blood test by AUS commission, Wednesday morning right before media and photo shoot. Ask hooker find the nurse with commission, she can confirm”

Did Islam Makhachev use IV?

According to USADA rules, an athlete can be suspended for two years if IV use is proven. While Makhachev‘s fans and team members are defending the athlete, Ali Abdelaziz has also responded to constant jibes that have been coming from Dan Hooker and Alexander Volkanovski‘s fans. He said, “They all can cry we have the belt”. 

Makhachev‘s opponent Alexander Volkanovski has been calling out for a re-match as he thought he had done enough to win the fight. He, however, also gave his two cents on Makhachev and the IV story. Talking to Ariel Helwani, ‘The Great’ had earlier said, “I’d say he was about 81kg [178lbs]. You fuel up pretty quick with IVs and stuff like that”

He further added, “Maybe that’s a little shot at him, but it is what it is.”

Dan Hooker calls out Makhachev for cheating

Kiwi Fighter Dan Hooker has trained with Alexander Volkanovski as they share the same gym. He has been the most prominent voice out there calling out the lightweight champ for IV use. Naturally, Makhachev‘s team has called him a loser. This, however, has not stopped the talks of IV use and the controversy only seems to be growing. Moreover, as tensions rise between the two camps, it is quite possible that a rematch can happen at some point later this year.

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While fans would like Makhachev to come out of the controversy untouched if the allegations are somehow proven, it will be disgraceful for the proud and disciplined Dagestani camp. Away from all these fans, will hope for a rematch that will give them the opportunity to watch the two greats against each other in the cage again.

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