Dan Hooker shares his opinion regarding the upcoming main event bout at UFC Vegas 49. The Kiwi recently appeared in the AllStar podcast where he discussed the fight between Islam Makhachev vs Bobby Green.
Hooker is very excited to see the fight between his former opponent, Makhachev and Green. Hooker is a great fan of Green as always wanted to see him in a headline bout. While talking about the fight, Hooker expressed his respect for Makhachev for taking this fight on very short notice at the catchweight.
According to Hooker, it is a tough fight for the Dagestani as Green is on a winning streak and is not an easy opponent. Makhachev will have to take the fight more seriously. Since his future title shot depends on this.
“Massive respect to Islam for taking this fight as well. It’s a dangerous opponent on a hot streak. At a catchweight on two weeks’ notice. Islam has to take this very seriously and I’m sure he is. But it’s a dangerous fight. Bobby Green is no easy beat… I feel like there’s a lot of pressure leading into it. The mix of all of those things is what makes this such an exciting fight,” said Hooker.
Hooker also mentioned that Green has mastered the rules of MMA. Explaining how his understanding of the sport has made Green a better fighter, Dan added:
“Switching stance and having your hands at your hips you will get your head kicked in. I’m sure for a long stretch of his career he fought traditionally with his hands up. And then once he mastered the fundamentals of that and understood range and understood defense and head movement and things like that, now he’s able to break the rules and change the rules because he understands the rules.”
Hooker has fought Makhachev in his last bout that took place at UFC 267. The fight was very short as the ‘Hangman’ lost via submission to Makhachev in the very first round. So, he understands Makhachev’s game. Hence, these insights from him about Green’s fighting style certainly have their utility.
Is a short notice fight against Islam Makhachev a disadvantage for Bobby Green?
The fight between Makhachev and Green was something that fans did not expect at all. Originally, Makhachev was fighting Beneil Dariush at UFC Vegas 49. But, due to a severe ankle injury, Dariush had to pull out his name. On very short notice, Green jumped into the vacant place and took his shot against Makhachev.
Green is currently on a two-fight win streak and it’s not been a month since he got his last victory against Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271. He won the fight via unanimous decision and wasn’t hurt much. That might be the reason behind taking on the fight.
Green is a very unique fighter and has a hands-down stance with impressive head movements. On the other hand, Makhachev is one of the best grapplers in the division and will try not to give any chances for Green to capitalize. While many might argue that a short notice fight against Islam is a disadvantage for Green, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Makhachev was also preparing for another opponent.