The ongoing tension between Dan Hooker and Charles Oliveira intensified after Oliveira suggested that Hooker declined a fight offer. UFC recently revealed that Oliveira, the former lightweight champion, is set to face Rafael Fiziev in October at UFC Rio. This announcement surprised many fans since Oliveira was recently knocked out by Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, raising questions about his readiness to compete so soon.
Oliveira claimed difficulty in finding an opponent and specifically alleged that Hooker, a longtime ranked lightweight, was the one who refused to fight him. In response, Hooker strongly denied these assertions and criticized Oliveira’s condition during the proposed match-up.
Hooker’s Strong Rebuttal Questions Oliveira’s Fight Readiness
Hooker dismissed Oliveira’s suggestion with sharp remarks, implying that anyone would be hesitant to fight someone recovering from a brutal knockout. Hooker described the idea of fighting a “semi-conscious” Oliveira as absurd and sarcastically questioned the legitimacy of Oliveira’s medical clearance.
You really think that’s how that phone call went? ‘Do you want to fight semi-conscious Charles Oliveira’ and I say ‘Oh no, I’m scared of Charlie Olives’ lifeless body flying around the cage’,
Hooker said to UFC on Sky.
I was never offered that fight, I require medical clearance I was not medically cleared for October… Now I don’t know if he could give me Dr.Doolittle’s number or whatever veterinary clinic he went to, to sign off his brain, because if he put his brain, it would still be mashed potatoes in an MRI machine,
Hooker added.
These comments reflect Hooker’s frustration and questioning of Oliveira’s readiness less than a month after his knockout loss.
Oliveira Responds to Skepticism with Resolute Statement
Throughout his UFC career, Charles Oliveira has often faced doubt, especially after a challenging start in the promotion. However, he continually overcame skepticism by earning the lightweight title and making successful comebacks.
As doubts arise again ahead of his UFC Rio fight, Oliveira addressed those questioning him with defiant words, emphasizing his resilience despite recent setbacks.
He stated,
“A wounded lion is still a lion,”
conveying that despite recent difficulties, he remains a formidable fighter prepared to return to the octagon.
Implications for the Upcoming UFC Rio Event
The dispute between Hooker and Oliveira adds tension to the upcoming UFC Rio card, putting the spotlight on Oliveira’s physical condition following his knockout. UFC legend Daniel Cormier has also voiced concern about Oliveira’s health, highlighting the urgency of ensuring fighter safety in such quick turnarounds.
With Oliveira cleared to fight Rafael Fiziev, fans and analysts will closely monitor his performance, while Hooker’s remarks fuel debates about the legitimacy and timing of the bout. This controversy underscores the challenges fighters face in balancing recovery with competition within the competitive UFC landscape.