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Islam Makhachev draws surprising support from top lightweight ahead of UFC 322 title fight

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 11:36 AM ET

Islam Makhachev’s former opponent Dan Hooker has changed his tune on the Russian, and is now crediting him for pursuing history next month.

The ex-lightweight champion had a record-breaking run before deciding to give up his belt earlier this year. He has now moved up to welterweight, where he faces champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden next month.

One would naturally presume that Hooker would back his fellow Oceanic star, as opposed to a man he once shared a rivalry with. However, he surprisingly has fired an impassioned message of support to Makhachev.

Dan Hooker offers surprising support to Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 322

Dan Hooker and Islam Makhachev fought back in October of 2021 at the Etihad Arena, with the Russian landing a submission inside the opening round. Since then there has been a respect between the two, with the New Zealander now heaping praise on his old rival.

“It’s a huge ask for Islam,” Hooker said on Sky Sports New Zealand, where he is a UFC pundit. “Credit to him for stepping up to the plate and coming up to welterweight. Definitely got my respect for being able to move up a weight class and fight Jack Della.

“It’s something that even the greatest lightweight of all time, Khabib, never managed to chase that accomplishment of being a two-division champion. So credit to him but it is a huge ask.” And ultimately looking for a prediction, Hooker did pick his fellow Oceanic star JDM.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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