Dan Hooker has given a fascinating insight into his relationship with Israel Adesanya, revealing some surprising details about their friendship.
In his UFC career, ‘The Hangman’ has cemented his status as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. He’s adored to such an extent, that upon discovering Hooker was out of UFC 313, a distraught Daniel Cormier rang Justin Gaethje at six in the morning to complain.
However, while he’s ruthless inside the cage, many view him outside of competition, as one of the nicest fighters in the world.
However, the man himself does not think this is the case.
WOW: Israel Adesanya makes Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev prediction
Dan Hooker says he’s more malicious than Israel Adesanya
Dan Hooker, who’s trained extensively with Israel Adesanya, at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, says that his friend is misunderstood.
While some fans aren’t too fond of ‘The Last Style Bender’, his countryman is adamant that the former UFC middleweight champion is a lovely character. Whereas, he himself, isn’t quite so kind.
In an interview on The Dom Harvey Podcast, he said: “Israel is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life. He is a really nice, heartfelt dude, and I am not.
“People think he’s the bad one, and I’m the nice one. With Israel, there’s no malice. It’s a competitive sport; he’s got no malicious intent when he fights.
“But with me, malicious intent. I’m just trying to hurt someone. I love it. I will never walk away from this sport. I love it. I’m gonna get dragged out, I guarantee it.”
When will Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya 3 happen?
Adesanya is coming off his third consecutive loss, meaning his time at the pinnacle of the MMA mountain, appears to be over.
However, with such an intense rivalry with Alex Pereira, there could be another big fight out there for him.
The Nigerian-born striker has had four enthralling bouts with ‘Poatan’ spread across two different sports. And the score definitely isn’t settled.
With that in mind, Adesanya has given an update on whether a fifth fight with Pereira will take place.