Hooker accepts fight offer
Kiwi UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has accepted a fight for early next year, but is keeping mum on the opponent until he has signed a contract.
Hooker, ranked No 6 in the division, last fought in June, suffering a close decision defeat to Dustin Poirier in a contender for fight of the year.
‘The Hangman’ said he couldn’t be more excited with the matchup but, given the volatile nature of the fight business in the Covid era, he’s wary of getting ahead of himself.
‘‘I’m in the depths of it, I’m in the middle of training camp,’’ Hooker told Submission Radio. ‘‘I’m dead on social media, and I’ve just got my head down and I’m training hard and I’m grinding. So, I’m preparing like it’s 100 per cent.
‘‘It’s just the environment we’re moving in now. I wasn’t approached about the Dustin fight until less than five weeks before the event. I didn’t have a contract for that fight until three weeks before the fight. Things just move differently in this time and this environment.’’
Hooker confirmed he wasn’t offered a bout against perennial title contender Tony Ferguson or Charles Oliveira, who fought last weekend with Oliveira claiming an eighth straight win to surge to third in the rankings.
But there remain several highly attractive possibilities in a division that is looking for a new champion following the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Hooker has previously spoken of his desire to face Justin Gaethje, the former interim champion and current No 1 contender. Gaethje is looking to return to the winner’s circle after losing a title unification bout to Nurmagomedov in October. He has also been linked with the winner of Poirier against Conor McGregor on January 24.
Then there is former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler, who is still yet to be booked for his promotional debut. Ex-UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos shapes as another option following his impressive return to the division against Paul Felder last month.
Whoever it is, Hooker can’t wait to get back in the octagon.
‘‘I am happy with the fight. Man, I’m excited for this one. I’m excited,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m excited for the card, I’m excited for the opponent, and I cannot wait to share it with you lads ... but it’s not today.’’