Alexander Volkanovski has echoed Dan Hooker’s accusations that Islam Mackhachev cheated to rehydrate after the UFC 284 weigh-ins.
Makhachev, the lightweight champion, won his recent UFC 284 bout against Volkanovski via unanimous decision in a tightly contested back-and-forth scrap, but Hooker has accused him of using a banned substance to rehydrate before the fight.
In a series of tweets, Hooker claimed that Makhachev had used an I.V, which is prohibited by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Hooker’s tweets implied that the lightweight champion had hired a nurse to give him an IV to help him rehydrate, despite the ban before later stating that “He doesn’t cheat. He doesn’t win”. Hooker also criticized USADA for not doing enough to prevent I.V. use.
Alexander Volkanovski Interview
Later that same day MMA Fighting released an interview with Volkanovski that was pre-recorded before Hooker’s tweets, in which he referred to Makhachev’s alleged use of an IV.
Vokanovksi stated “I think I was 170 [pounds] or just under. 178 to 180 I think he would have been. I’ve heard he gets up to like 180. You fill up pretty quick on the IV’s and stuff like that… Maybe that’s a little shot at him.”
However, as of right now, these accusations have not been substantiated with any evidence. In a follow-up tweet, Hooker challenged others to prove him wrong, but this has led some to criticize Hooker for making baseless and irresponsible allegations without showing any proof.
Despite this, Mackhachev doesn’t seem to be taking the comments seriously as he jokingly mocked Hooker in a response video, chanting “Aussie Aussie Aussie” along with his teammates. Makhachev’s manager also responded to the claims, calling them “completely B.S.” Magomedov dismissed Hooker’s claims and referred to him as a “loser” who is “just looking for attention.”
While these accusations do not constitute concrete evidence of cheating, if further evidence emerged, Makhachev could face suspension and the potential loss of his lightweight title. It remains to be seen if the allegations will be investigated further by USADA.
The UFC and USADA have yet to comment on the matter.
Do you believe Dan Hooker & Alexander Volkanovksi’s accusations against Islam Mackhachev? Let us know in the comments below!
