Dan Hooker’s recent victory at UFC 305 was impressive, but it was his post-fight callout of Conor McGregor that really turned heads. Fresh off a decision win against Mateusz Gamrot, the Kiwi fighter Hooker wasted no time in making his case for a fight with the UFC’s biggest star. And now, he is doubling down on why he believes a bout between him and McGregor makes far more sense.
During an appearance on Submission Radio, Hooker laid out his reasoning with calm confidence. According to Hooker, his active status and recent victories make him a more appealing opponent for McGregor than Chandler.
“I just feel like because I’ve been staying active and I’ve been fighting the best guys in the world that he [Conor McGregor] has more to gain from fighting me than he does from [Michael] Chandler,” said Hooker.
The logic isn’t lost on fight fans. After all, Hooker’s recent run includes three straight wins against formidable opponents like Gamrot, Jalin Turner, and Claudio Puelles. Meanwhile, Chandler’s last outing was a loss to Dustin Poirier over two years ago. That’s a tough sell when compared to Hooker’s current momentum.
From a rankings perspective, Hooker is also sitting pretty at #5, just ahead of Chandler at #6. And let’s not forget the entertainment factor. Hooker is known for his gritty, never-back-down fighting style. This could make for an explosive clash with McGregor. The idea of two of the sport’s most entertaining strikers going head-to-head is enough to get any fight fan’s blood pumping.
Dan Hooker Reveals His Mentality And Explains Viral ‘I Love This Shit’ Moment
Hooker is known for his gritty performances inside the Octagon. But it was his raw, unfiltered emotion during UFC 305 that had fans talking. Hooker, after surviving a brutal war with Mateusz Gamrot, had a moment in his corner that quickly went viral. With blood on his face and exhaustion in his eyes, Hooker turned to his team and, with a grin, exclaimed, “Boys, I love this sh*t!”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
For many fighters, the third round of a grueling fight is where the mental and physical toll becomes overwhelming. But for Hooker, it’s the moment where he feels most alive. Reflecting on that viral moment, Hooker explained that he wasn’t even keeping track of the fight anymore. He was just having fun.
“I just kind of… Yeah, I appreciate it being in that moment. It’s fun bro, 15,000 people screaming at you. You’re exhausted, the other guy’s exhausted… The outcome of the fight had completely gone… Just had fun in round three and performed the way I did is cause I’m in my happy place,” said Hooker via Submission Radio.
The Kiwi’s ability to find joy in such intense moments speaks volumes about his mindset. He has faced some of the toughest competitors in the lightweight division, experiencing both crushing defeats and exhilarating victories. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: His love for the fight. That passion is what drives him, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Also Read: Dan Hooker Reveals Possibility Of Fighting Former Lightweight Champion After UFC 305 Win
