Dan Hooker is one win away from a UFC lightweight title shot after his recent split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot, and while he is open to fighting Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan next, he hopes to compete again before the end of the year.
Dan Hooker is just one win away from a title shot.
This past Saturday, Hooker secured the biggest victory of his career. He won a split decision against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. The back-and-forth battle earned him his third Fight of the Night bonus. And now, according to “The Hangman,” he’s eyeing a fight with Charles Oliveira, the No. 2-ranked lightweight in the UFC.
“They want Charles [for me next],” Hooker told The Mac Life. “That’s a good fight. But there’s heaps of cool shit I can do. The lay of the land is pretty crazy. It’s such a wild sport. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Hooker is on a three-fight win streak since returning to lightweight. He’s poised to break into the UFC’s top five at lightweight. A win over Oliveira could guarantee him a title shot next. But “The Hangman” isn’t overly fixated on it. Actually, if given a choice, he seems more interested in facing No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan next.
“Oh yeah, anybody. I couldn’t care less,” Hooker said about his next opponent. “All of them. Even Arman. I said to Sean [Shelby] I would like to fight Arman. Because screw it. We’ll go the toughest way to the title we possibly can.” Turner, Gamrot, Arman, Islam [Makhachev]. I just don’t care, brother. I would prefer the hardest road to the title that I possibly could.”
“He’s a prick. He’s been talking shit for years,” Hooker continued about Tsarukyan. “There’s nothing more to it. It’s like the duality of fighting.” There’s no one more I hate in the world than these other guys in the division, but there’s no one else I respect more in the world than them either.” There’s no one more similar to me, but we’re all vying for the same thing.”
Hooker was taken to the hospital after UFC 305, but his tests came back clean for any serious injuries. He expects to return to action soon.
Given that, Hooker hopes to fight again before the end of the year, setting him up for a title fight in 2025.
“I’d like to get one more in this year,” Hooker said. “I’ve got another baby on the way, due in February.” So I’d like to knock one out before then.” There’s another card [rumored for Sydney in February], but it’s a couple days before my wife’s due.” So you’re cutting it a bit fine.” I’m not going to stress the missus out like that.” She deals with enough.” She’s married to me, for f*ck’s sake.” So if we can knock another one out this year, that will be incredible and then fight for the title next year.”