Dan Hooker says USADA has visited him more frequently since he accused Islam Makhachev of using IV

Dan Hooker, a New Zealand mixed martial artist, has recently claimed that he has been visited more frequently by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) since he accused his rival, Islam Makhachev, of using intravenous (IV) therapy. The revelation has raised concerns about the fairness of anti-doping protocols in the sport and has put a spotlight on the contentious issue of IV therapy in MMA.

For those unfamiliar with IV therapy, it involves the infusion of fluids and electrolytes directly into a vein, which can help to rehydrate the body quickly. However, IV therapy is banned in MMA due to its potential to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and other prohibited substances.

Hooker alleged Makhachev with utilizing an IV to rehydrate after weigh-ins to the day since Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski by decision. There hasn't been any evidence, though, and Hooker expresses the UFC will attempt to retaliate against him in the future by putting him in some challenging fights. Hooker also claims that after making his statements, USADA has begun testing him more regularly.

“I’ve had two or three knocks on my door at 6 a.m. by USADA, blood, and piss over the last couple of weeks. You think that’s a coincidence? That ain’t no coincidence, baby. On the same hand, you think I’m just gonna shut up and bite my tongue? Brother, I’ve almost had 50 knocks at my door, and that’s a stranger coming into your house, asking you to pull down your pants and stare at your dick. You think I’m gonna sit silent while other guys are skirting the rules when I got some stranger knocking on my door, asking me to pull my pants down? I ain’t playing this game,” Hooker said to TheAllStar.

Uncertainty exists regarding whether Hooker's remarks on Islam Makhachev's misconduct are the cause of the increased testing. The Kiwi, however, doesn't appear to mind because he is aware that he is a clean athlete and is unconcerned by the additional testing.

While USADA's anti-doping efforts are commendable, some critics argue that the agency's protocols are not foolproof and can be prone to errors and inconsistencies. Moreover, the increased scrutiny faced by athletes who speak out against doping could potentially discourage others from doing so in the future, which could ultimately undermine the integrity of the sport.

Last time out, Dan Hooker (22-12) defeated Claudio Puelles via TKO to get back on the winning side of the ledger. In UFC 285 last weekend, he was scheduled to fight Jalin Turner, however "The Hangman" was compelled to withdraw from the contest because of his fractured hand. Hooker lost to Arnold Allen and Islam Makhachev by stoppages before his victory over Puelles.