Tag: Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker: ‘Ilia Topuria didn’t do anything that incredible’ vs. Alexander Volkanovski

Dan Hooker thinks the quick turnaround hampered Alexander Volkanovski’s performance against Ilia Topuria.

[autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] thinks a quick turnaround hampered [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag]’s performance against [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag].

After five title defenses, Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) lost his featherweight title to Topuria by knockout at UFC 298 in February 2024. “The Great” made a four-month turnaround after getting knocked out by lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 294.

Hooker relates to the affects a quick turnaround can have on a performance.

“I feel like he just turned too quickly around from the Islam Makhachev fight,” Hooker told Sky Sports New Zealand. “I don’t think Ilia Topuria did anything that incredible. I feel like he just fought (too soon), and I’ve been there. When I fought Paul Felder and then I fought Dustin Poirier kind of back-to-back and then rushed into the Michael Chandler fight. It’s not like Michael Chandler did anything that was lightening incredible. You need to learn that as a veteran fighter, and there’s only one way to learn it, and that’s the hard way.

“The body can only take so much punishment before it needs time to fully recoup. Especially if you’re fighting these five-round fights, you need to be putting a good amount of stretch, and it takes longer to recover from a five round fight. Especially what Volkanovski has been going through, five-round championship training camps, and just putting them so consistently. He has been one of the most consistent champions for the UFC. Stepping up to the plate, fighting, jumping in on short notice. Like, he just needed a bit more time between these fights to let his body fully recover.”

man and and still the champ, I can’t wait to be there.”

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With Topuria relinquishing his featherweight title, Volkanovski will battle Diego Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) for the vacant belt in the UFC 314 main event (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+) April 12 from Kaseya Center in Miami.

Hooker will be there to support his City Kickboxing teammate.

“Yeah, I’m going over,” Hooker said. “I’m pretty sure Israel’s (Adesanya) going over, and we’ll just head over and obviously support Alexander Volkanovski. What is it? 10 consecutive title fights in a row. Tough, young competitor against Lopes.

“It’s going to be one heck of a fight, and I can’t wait to be sitting cage slide and just soaking it up. To get back after these two hard fights, the toughest time in his career, and to not only get through that, but to be on the other side of it and to be able to raise that title again and and prove that he’s still the

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.

UFC’s Beneil Dariush open to rebooking Renato Moicano fight, but says Dan Hooker ‘would be ideal’

Beneil Dariush sees Dan Hooker as a perfect option for his next fight.

[autotag]Beneil Dariush[/autotag] sees [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] as a perfect option for his next fight.

Dariush (22-6-1 MMA, 16-6 UFC) was scheduled to return against [autotag]Renato Moicano[/autotag] at UFC 311 in January, but didn’t end up competing after Moicano was pulled to face lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in the main event. Dariush also put his hand up to step in, but the UFC ultimately went with Moicano.

Moicano (20-6-1 MMA, 12-6 UFC) wound up getting quickly submitted by Makhachev. Dariush, who was paid his purse, said the promotion promised to make it up to him. He’d accept rescheduling the Moicano fight, even though he wouldn’t classify that as being rewarded.

“They’ve mentioned that about rebooking that fight, and I’m not against it because I’m not in a situation where I could be like, ‘Oh, I want to fight this guy’ coming off two losses,” Dariush told MMA Junkie.

“So if that’s the fight they want to make, that’s fine. I just figured when Dana (White) said, ‘We’re going to make it up to Dariush,’ I figured it would be somebody ranked actually higher than me, not behind me. So whatever.”

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) was scheduled to face Justin Gaethje in Saturday’s UFC 313 co-main event, but was forced out after fracturing his hand. He underwent surgery and is targeting a return at UFC 317 on June 28 against Arman Tsarukyan.

If Hooker doesn’t get that fight, Dariush is ready to face him in that timeline.

“Dan Hooker would be ideal because he’s ranked ahead of me, and if he’s trying to come back at International Fight Week, that would be a perfect time,” Dariush said. “That’s perfectly fine with me. I would be very happy with that setup if that’s what they do.”

Dariush also likes how he matches up with Hooker, who’s on a three-fight winning streak.

“I have better tools everywhere,” Dariush said. “I think I can outstrike him, I can outgrapple him, I even think I can outdog him if it’s a three-round fight. I don’t see where he would have an advantage over me.”

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Dan Hooker calls out Arman Tsarukyan for International Fight Week at UFC 317

Dan Hooker wants to settle things with Arman Tsarukyan at International Fight Week.

[autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] wants to settle things with [autotag]Arman Tsarukyan[/autotag] at International Fight Week.

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) and Tsarukyan have recently been trading barbs, with Hooker questioning Tsarukyan’s last-day withdrawal from UFC 311. Tsarukyan jumped at the opportunity to fire back when Hooker pulled out of Saturday’s UFC 313 co-main event against Justin Gaethje due to a fractured hand.

Although he underwent surgery to repair his hand, “The Hangman” doesn’t expect to be sidelined for too long. He’s aiming to return on the June 28 card at UFC 317, and wants Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) next.

“He come at me this week. He took a shot at me,” Hooker told Sky Sports New Zealand on Tsarukyan. “If you go back, he does an interview with Nina Drama where he’s actually creeping on her. Like, it’s weird. And a lot of people don’t know that her husband is the cameraman, as well, which makes it even more creepy.

“You think just because your dad is rich and you’re a UFC fighter, this woman is going to cheat on her husband in front of (him)? This kid is unreal, bro. But (it will be) another loss for him. I’d like to fight him when I come back. International Fight Week, I’ll kick Arman right in the monobrow. He waxes it – we all know that. Let it grow out, son.”

Tsarukyan cited a back injury as the reason for withdrawing from his title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January. Dana White said Tsarukyan won’t have his title-fight rematch rebooked next.

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Photo: Dan Hooker undergoes hand surgery after UFC 313 withdrawal

Dan Hooker’s hand injury that forced him out of UFC 313 vs. Justin Gaethje has required surgery.

[autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag]’s hand injury has forced him to go under the knife.

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) withdrew from his lightweight co-main event against Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) Saturday at UFC 313 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+) after sustaining an injury to his left hand.

“The Hangman” fractured his hand and has undergone surgery to repair it. He took to Instagram to share the news.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGuwI45yVRn/?img_index=1&igsh=MXdxMW55dDJmaGNvMA%3D%3D

Hooker was looking to build on his three-fight winning streak after victories over Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and most recently a Fight of the Night over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 last August.

Gaethje will remain on the UFC 313 card and run things back with Rafael Fiziev (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) instead. Gaethje edged out Fiziev by majority decision in their first fight at UFC 286.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.

Dan Hooker opens up on hand injury that forced him out of UFC 313

An unfortunate training accident pulled Dan Hooker out of his UFC 313 fight with Justin Gaethje.

A training accident pulled [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] out of UFC 313.

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) was scheduled to fight former interim lightweight champion [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in a five-round co-main event March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+), but he withdrew due to a hand injury.

“The Hangman” showed off his swollen left hand in an interview with Sky Sport New Zealand.

“One of the paws is not doing too well,” Hooker said. “I was sparring last night, just as I do, just letting some hooks go, just throwing some bombs down range, and I just caught one of the boys on the top of the dome with my knuckle. I don’t think too much of it, but they sent me off to get a CT scan. Had a little CT scan, and they told me my hand is fractured.

“So yeah, I obviously still would fight (laughs), but with the medicals they squeeze your hands, so we’ll see how it all plays out. We’ll see if we can kick this fight down the road, or we’ll just wait and see.”

Hooker, who was anticipating a post-fight hospital visit after throwing down with Gaethje, expressed his frustration of having to withdraw less than two weeks away from the fight.

“It’s unfortunate that it was this close,” Hooker said. “Obviously gutted for all the fans that I know that were excited for this fight. That’s probably the main thing, I think. The Lords of War were not happy, and they took it away from you.”

Hooker is on a three-fight winning streak, where he defeated Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and most recently a Fight of the Night over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 last August.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.

Dan Hooker hand injury forces withdrawal from UFC 313 vs. Justin Gaethje

UFC 313 apparently has lost its banger of a lightweight co-main event between Dan Hooker and Justin Gaethje.

UFC 313 apparently has lost its banger of a lightweight co-main event.

[autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] said he is out of his five-round fight against [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) due to a hand injury. The injury was first revealed when Hooker mentioned it in a video posted to his daughter’s YouTube channel, “Zoe Hooker TV,” on Tuesday.

“Dad had a fight, or was supposed to have a fight,” Hooker said. “But I’ve busted my paw.”

The UFC has not officially commented on Hooker’s status. Hooker later told Sky Sports New Zealand that he fractured his hand.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGfZxOEvknq/?img_index=1&igsh=MXQwanoyaGRtZnViOQ==

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) was looking to surge into title contention after three straight wins over Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and most recently a Fight of the Night over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 last August.

Meanwhile, former interim lightweight champion Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) hasn’t competed since a last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in April. He lost the BMF title, which he captured with a head-kick knockout of Dustin Poirier at UFC 291.

Upon hearing the news of Hooker’s withdrawal, a few prominent lightweights publicly volunteered to step up against Gaethje: Rafael Fiziev, Renato Moicano and Gamrot.

As of this writing, it’s unclear if Gaethje will remain on the card or if the UFC will rebook the Hooker fight at a later date.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.

Dan Hooker on fight vs. Justin Gaethje being five rounds: ‘UFC wants to see someone die’

Dan Hooker guarantees maximum violence in his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.

[autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] guarantees maximum violence in his fight against [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] at UFC 313.

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) and Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) will throw down in a five-round lightweight co-main event (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Gaethje has 13 post-fight UFC bonuses to his name, whereas Hooker has engaged in some grueling battles against the likes of Dustin Poirier and Jalin Turner. That’s why, when the UFC offered him Gaethje in a five-round battle, “The Hangman” knew exactly what they’re looking for.

“I just think the UFC wants to see someone die,” Hooker said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “I think they just want to finish it. They want this fight for the fans, as well. They want to see someone go down. They want to see blood. They want to see Rounds 4 and 5.

“I’m happy to oblige for money. If I was back in the kitchen factory, and I stayed an extra couple of hours, I’d expect another couple of extra bucks in my back pocket, brother. I’m not here for fun. I’m not here because I like you guys. It’s prizefighting, brother.”

Hooker re-entered the upper echelon of the lightweight division after three straight wins over Claudio Puelles, Turner, and most recently a Fight of the Night over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in August.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.

Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC 313 co-main event

Justin Gaethje is a slight favorite to beat Dan Hooker at UFC 313.

An all-violence lightweight matchup will co-headline UFC 313.

Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker preview

After knocking out Dustin Poirier with a head kick to claim the BMF title at UFC 291, [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) lost his belt to Max Holloway by knockout at UFC 300 in April.

Meanwhile, [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) is enjoying his best run in years after notching three-straight wins over Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and most recently Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305.

Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker odds

According to BetMGM, former interim champion Gaethje is a slight -160 favorite over City Kickboxing’s Hooker, who’s listed as a +130 underdog.

How to watch Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker at UFC 313

  • When: Saturday, March 8, 2025
  • Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
  • Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+ pay-per-view

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.

UFC 313 lineup reaction: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev, Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker set

Pereira vs. Ankalaev and Gaethje vs. Hooker headline UFC 313. Were these the right fights to make? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

UFC 313 got some heavy hitters.

The promotion announced last week the main and co-main event for their 313th pay-per-view event, which takes place March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+). Headlining the card, UFC light heavyweight champion [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] defends his belt against the man many see as the biggest threat to his belt, [autotag]Magomed Ankalaev[/autotag]. And in the co-main, fan-favorite fighters [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] and [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] clash in a five-round lightweight scrap.

How good are these bookings? Were these the right fights to make? Who will come out on top?

MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Mike Bohn, Danny Segura and host Gorgeous George discuss and break down the pair of matchups that will headline UFC 313.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube or in podcast form.

https://youtube.com/live/xkFxuHJDreg

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Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Islam Makhachev, Merab Dvalishvili defend titles at UFC 311, Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel discusses the results from UFC 311, including Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili’s big wins, and much more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Mike Bohn and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] and [autotag]Merab Dvalishvili[/autotag] retained their championship belts Saturday in the headlining bouts of UFC 311. Makhachev submitted [autotag]Renato Moicano[/autotag] to defend his UFC lightweight belt for a fourth time, and Dvalishvili outpointed [autotag]Umar Nurmagomedov[/autotag] to complete his first title defense. We react and discuss what’s next for the four men involved in the main and co-main event of UFC 311.
  • Plenty happened at UFC 311 outside the two championship fights. [autotag]Jiri Prochazka[/autotag] knocked out fellow former champion Jamahal Hill to bounce back from his stoppage loss to Alex Pereira; [autotag]Reinier de Ridder[/autotag] quickly submitted Kevin Holland; and [autotag]Payton Talbott[/autotag] suffered his first professional loss to veteran [autotag]Roani Barcelos[/autotag]. We review some of the key results at UFC 311.
  • UFC 313 has its main and co-main event fights. The promotion announced on Saturday the booking of [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Magomed Ankalaev[/autotag], and [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag]. We react to these bookings and give our early pcisk for the bout.
  • The free agent market got a lot more interesting this past week. Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion [autotag]Holly Holm[/autotag] was granted her release from the promotion and is looking to keep fighting in MMA – while also picking back up boxing. Additionally, ex-Bellator champion [autotag]Patricio Freire[/autotag] and top Bellator contender [autotag]Aaron Pico[/autotag] were let go from the PFL. We discuss the potential future for these stars.

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