UFC fighter Dan Hooker rocked the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world with his latest set of texts. If his allegations are proven, they will have a lasting impact on the sport. In a series of tweets, Dan accused Islam Makhachev of taking the help of an I.V. injection just ahead of the UFC 284 fight. However, it did not bother Islam, who retaliated with a humorous video on his Instagram account.
Islam thinks Dan Hooker’s comments are coming from a place of jealousy. Even Makhachev’s co-manager, Rizvan Magomedov, echoed Islam’s sentiments. However, fans are fascinated by the developing story. Judging by the tone of Dan’s tweets, he seemed very confident. So, the question, that needs to be asked is, is there any validity to Dan’s claims? Recently some fans pointed out some evidence of the alleged doping.
One fan spotted a notable dump on Islam‘s hand during the ceremonial weigh-ins. Although no medical expert has weighed in on the matter just yet, the bump seems consistent with an injection mark. Although it neither proves nor denies the allegation, it certainly adds an interesting wrinkle to the story. In one of his tweets, Dan also alleged that USADA is not taking any actions either.
Statement from USADA regarding the allegations from @danthehangman regarding Islam Makhachev at #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/tuH9guoRNo
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) February 13, 2023
It looks like they have finally responded to the allegations. Damon Martin of MMA Fighting posted a response from USADA on Islam Makhachev’s alleged doping. They cleared the fact that “all IV infusions and/or injections of more than 100 mL per 12-hour period are prohibited at all times.” However, the statement did not go into the details of whether the anti-doping agency would investigate the matter or not. But an investigation seems likely.
Manager debunks the rumor about Islam Makhachev doping ahead of UFC 284
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski appeared on “The MMA Hour” the day after the fight. He doubled down on his claims that Makhachev is not strong and added that he would have an easy win against the Dagestani at featherweight. Not only that, but Alex also hinted at the fact that Islam used I.V. to rehydrate after a brutal weight cut.
As previously mentioned, the injection mark on Islam’s arm was a massive red flag for the fans. While it was present before the fight, nobody even noticed it before Dan Hooker‘s allegations. But how did the injection mark appear on Islam’s arm before the fight? Islam’s manager finally debunked the rumor and revealed that it was because of a medical test by the Australian commission.
Mandatory blood test by AUS commission, Wednesday morning right before media and photo shoot.
— Rizvan Magomedov (@Rizvan_RM) February 14, 2023
Ask hooker find the nurse with commission, she can confirm https://t.co/Vm3uZMR2zH
If Rizvan Magomedov is to be believed, the injection mark is from a blood test, rather than an I.V. injection. Hence, it discredits all the rumors and allegations floating on the internet. Will it be enough to calm down the fans? Only time will tell.