Dan Hooker Doubts Ilia Topuria Would Fight Usman Nurmagomedov

Dan Hooker has voiced his belief that Ilia Topuria would not agree to a fight with Usman Nurmagomedov if the undefeated fighter signs with the UFC. Hooker is set to face former KSW champion Salahdine Parnasse at UFC Paris on September 5.

In a recent interview, Hooker indicated he would be open to welcoming Nurmagomedov to the UFC, provided the financial terms are favorable. He dismissed the idea of Topuria risking his position against an unranked newcomer, emphasizing that most ranked lightweights would avoid such a matchup.

Nurmagomedov, who recently became a free agent after his contract with PFL ended, boasts an impressive record of 22-0 and is reportedly attracting significant interest from the UFC. Hooker previously took on former Bellator champion Michael Chandler and is positioning himself as a viable option for the UFC if they offer adequate compensation.