Dan Hooker believes UFC forced Mateusz Gamrot’s hand into accepting UFC 305 clash
Dan Hooker is set to return to action after more than a year away from the octagon when he faces Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. 'The Hangman' suffered a broken arm against Jalin Turn at UFC 290, and after complications with his recovery extended his healing process, the Kiwi is finally fully fit.
His clash with Gamrot came together on somewhat short notice, as the bout was officially announced on July 28th, roughly three weeks before fight night. Hooker had expressed his eagerness to appear at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, alongside his City Kickboxing teammates, and was granted a chance to enter the division's top five rankings, should he defeat Gamrot.
Ahead of their clash, 'The Hangman' shared his belief that the promotion forced 'Gamer' into accepting the fight. The Polish fighter has been on the cusp of a title shot for over a year, and Hooker pointed to his perennial contendership as the reason for his belief that Gamrot was forced to fight at UFC 305.
During a recent interview with Israel Adesanya's brother, David, the Kiwi said this:
"I feel like they made him do it. I feel like he's not doing it by choice. I feel like if it was a choice he would sit out. He's the next contender in line for a title shot... Gamrot is the next guy in the top five, a lot of the big names are coming off of losses."
Watch Dan Hooker's interview below (8:25):
Dan Hooker shares preview for predictable Mateusz Gamrot fight at UFC 305
Dan Hooker is one of the lightweight division's most exciting fighters and is scheduled to face off against top contender Mateusz Gamrot in a classic 'Striker vs. Grappler' matchup at UFC 305.
'The Hangman' will be looking to make a statement against one of the best wrestlers at 155 pounds, and after fully recovering from a broken arm sustained against Jalin Turner, looks in peak physical condition. He was recently interviewed by Combat TV ahead of UFC 305, where he previewed his clash with 'Gamer', saying this:
"He's a really smart fighter, a wrestling-heavy, grappling approach. Not really one to chance his hand on the feet. It's good though 'cause then you've got a real straight-forward game plan. It's not one of those fights where you're like, 'I don't know what's gonna happen here.'"
Watch Dan Hooker's interview below (1:15):