Justin Gaethje vs Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the next big fights that the UFC has lined up in the coming months. Ever since it became clear that the two will meet inside the Octagon, experts and fans have been weighing in on how the fight would plan out. Fellow UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker thinks that the contest between the two will be evenly poised.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a puzzle that 28 fighters have failed to crack. Justin Gaethje just had a dominant victory over Tony Ferguson. Consequently, fans have been pinning their hopes on “The Highlight” to hand Khabib his first loss. Gaethje’s blend of devastating striking with a wrestling background makes him the prototype to stop the Dagestani juggernaut.
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“I feel like that’s an even contest,” Dan Hooker said regarding Gaethje vs Nurmagomedov while talking to Submission Radio. “I think that’s a 50-50 contest. Gaethje has the skill set to beat him like a good pace and good pressure, knockout ability, and a very good defensive wrestling.
“If you have to design a fighter that would give Khabib trouble, I would pick the skills that are there in Justin Gaethje to get the job done against Khabib,”
Dan Hooker feels he can beat Justin Gaethje
Dan Hooker will step inside the Octagon this weekend against Dustin Poirier. A win over the former title challenger could propel him to the top three in the divisional rankings. Tony Ferguson is coming off a loss and Conor McGregor has retired. With a dominant win this weekend, Hooker may be looking at a fight with the winner of Gaethje vs Khabib.
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If Justin Gaethje gets past Khabib, the Kiwi may fancy his chances of being the lightweight champ. This is because he believes he has what it takes to beat the interim champ.
“If you’re picking skills to pick apart Justin Gaethje, I think I’m the guy to do that. I think it’s funny how all these styles match up,” Hooker added.
Just like Justin Gaethje, Hooker does a good job of controlling distance. Moreover, the Kiwi is a potent striker who mixes his kicks very well. He is also very confident in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The long limbs of Hooker facilitate submissions for him, particularly the guillotine.
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His performance this weekend against a proven fighter such as Poirier will play a big role in determining his future in the division.
Do you think Dan Hooker has the necessary tools to defeat Justin Gaethje?
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