Dan Hooker is understood for being one of many UFC’s most fun fighters, however his upcoming matchup with Justin Gaethje would possibly push each warriors to the restrict.
The light-weight bonus collectors star within the co-main occasion of UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas, one struggle down from the sunshine heavyweight title bout between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. Whereas Pereira is one in all MMA’s largest stars, even he could have a troublesome act to observe if Hooker vs. Gaethje goes as anticipated.
Hooker and Gaethje are booked to go 5 rounds, and Hooker had a humorous response when requested why he felt the matchmakers determined to present additional time to the non-title affair.
“I simply assume the UFC needs to see somebody die,” Hooker stated on The Ariel Helwani Present. “I believe they need a end. They need this struggle. As nicely, I really feel like for the followers they need to see somebody go down. They need to see blood. They need to see Spherical 4 and 5. I’m completely happy to oblige for cash.”
The excellent news is that in keeping with Hooker, he’s receiving further compensation for going two additional rounds with Gaethje, a frightening job for any light-weight. In his 13 UFC appearances, “The Spotlight” has compiled an absurd eight Battle of the Night time awards and 5 Efficiency of the Night time bonuses. Hooker’s three Battle of the Night time and three Efficiency bonuses might sound meager as compared, however the New Zealand standout is extensively thought to be a assure to ship motion when the cage door closes.
Hooker is aware of precisely what he’s signing up for and he has the deepest respect for Gaethje heading into their contest.
“This struggle will not be about speaking,” Hooker stated. “I’m anticipating no disrespect from Justin Gaethje and there can be none heading that approach. However contained in the cage, absolute killers. I respect him for taking this struggle. It’s a harmful struggle. I really feel like there’s lots of powerful fights on the market, however I really feel like there’s much more low-risk fights or doubtlessly much less harmful fights, I suppose.”
As he heads into 12 months 15 of his professional preventing profession, Hooker has proven no indicators of slowing down. He’s at the moment on a three-fight win streak, having scored a pair of thrilling cut up choice wins over ranked contenders Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner in his previous two bouts. He’s at the moment the No. 9 light-weight within the MMA Combating World Rankings.
In some unspecified time in the future, Hooker will grasp up the gloves… a choice that may truly open up a brand new preventing avenue for him. Hooker had excessive reward for BKFC’s KnuckleMania 5 occasion that came about this Saturday, and he envisions a post-MMA future the place he tries his hand at bare-knuckle boxing.
“Like I’m simply not going to struggle anybody once I cease preventing,” Hooker stated. “No, I’m going to struggle folks with out gloves. That sport seems just like the funnest factor for me to do on the planet. I don’t know what everybody else is into, however that appears like enjoyable.”
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Loyalty.
Finest KOs of the week thread.
Hilo con los mejores KOs/TKOs de la semana. High 15
— Barrele la pierna (@Barrelelapierna) January 27, 2025
Targets.
Flyweight greats.
There’s an thought.
Unlucky about your struggle cancellation, @beneildariush. I’m additionally nonetheless and not using a struggle. When will you be able to go? It’d be nice to share the octagon with you
— Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev (@RafaelFiziev) January 28, 2025
Throwback.
King Inexperienced (32-16-1, 1 NC) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (11-1); UFC 313, March 8
To not look too far previous UFC 312 (it’s not a terrific card on paper, let’s be actual), however UFC 313 and this absurdly fan-friendly co-main occasion can’t come quickly sufficient.
Dan Hooker, Justin Gaethje, we salute you.
Ballot
Who wins Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker?
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