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'I'm training Abdu': Dan Hooker Reacts To Hasbulla Supporting Islam Makhachev At UFC 267

'I'm training Abdu': Dan Hooker Reacts To Hasbulla Supporting Islam Makhachev At UFC 267

Makhachev​'s opponent Dan Hooker has weighed in, revealing that he's been working closely with Hasbulla's arch rival.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Mixed martial arts fans were sent into a frenzy when it was announced that viral internet sensation Hasbulla Magomedov would be in attendance at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi to show support for Islam Makhachev.

Well, now Makhachev's opponent Dan Hooker has weighed in, revealing that he's been working closely with Hasbulla's arch rival.

Dan Hooker.
PA

Speaking at a recent press conference, New Zealander Hooker was asked whether he was "upset" that Hasbulla would be supporting Makhachev.

"Who's the other bloke? Who's the guy on my team? Abdu! Abdu's on my team," he joked with reporters.

"I've got a horse in the race now. I'm training my boy Abdu, no word of a lie.

"Abdu's on my team and Hasbulla can be on his (Makhachev's) team. He's picked his horse, he's picked the losing horse. Game on baby."

MMA Junkie reporter Danny Segura broke the news of Hasbulla's potential cameo appearance at UFC 267.

We're used to seeing him in viral videos, but people all over the globe have been waiting to see the 18-year-old make a public appearance for the first time.

Now it seems we're on the brink of seeing Hasbulla in the flesh at a UFC event.

Tamaev Asxab

Nicknamed 'Mini Khabib', Hasbulla's rise to superstardom has been rapid over the past year with his social media following increasing by the hour.

As a result of his high profile, Hasbulla has been called out by a number of athletes, including MMA fighter Rafael Fiziev after his win at UFC 265 back in August.

But one person who seems particularly keen on getting his hands on the Russian is Tajik singer Abdu Rozik.

It's understood the duo have been feuding for a long time and there were initial talks of a bout between them at some point down the line.

Video of their press conference racked up millions upon millions of views online.

Featured Image Credit: PA/Twitter

Topics: Hasbulla, Dan Hooker, UFC, Australia, MMA