Dan Hooker delivers grim take on UFC 313's five-round Justin Gaethje fight: "The UFC wants to see someone die"
Dan Hooker has not entered the octagon since last August when he defeated Mateusz Gamrot via split decision at UFC 305. The No. 6-ranked lightweight is set to make his return at UFC 313 in March as he faces Justin Gaethje in a five-round co-main event bout that promises violence.
'The Hangman' shared his thoughts on the matchup, revealing that he believes the UFC wants to see someone die. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hooker was asked why the bout is five rounds, responding:
"I just think the UFC wants to see someone die. I think they want a finish. They want this fight, as well, I feel like for the fans, as well, they want to see someone go down. They want to see blood. They want to see rounds four and five... I'm happy to oblige for money."
When asked if he is being compensated extra even though the bout isn't a main event, Hooker responded:
"F**king A, bubba, if you work overtime at your job - if I was back in the kitchen factory and I stayed an extra couple hours, I'd expect another couple extra bucks in my back pocket, bubba. I'm not here for fun. I'm not here because I like you guys. I'm here prize fighting."
Check out Dan Hooker's comments on facing Justin Gaethje below:
Hooker will put his three-fight win streak on the line when he faces Gaethje. Meanwhile, it will mark 'The Highlight's' first bout since suffering a vicious last-second knockout against Max Holloway at UFC 300 last April.
Islam Makhachev wants to face Justin Gaethje if he beats Dan Hooker
Islam Makhachev has shared the octagon with four of the top-six ranked lightweights, including Dan Hooker, who he defeated via first-round submission at UFC 267 in October 2021. Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway are the lone exceptions, which is why the lightweight champion is eyeing the No. 3-ranked lightweight as his next opponent.
Championship Rounds shared comments from Makhachev, posting:
"Islam Makhachev expresses interest in a fight against Justin Gaethje, and is targeting a return in July 👀 "I like this idea because I haven't fought Justin yet... I've already fought [Oliveira and Arman], and preparing for the same opponent is not such a big motivation. But if Gaethje shows himself well in the next fight, we can meet." [via. Ushatayka]U#UFC #MMA"
Check out the post from Championship Rounds below:
Gaethje appeared to be in line to challenge Makhachev before suffering a knockout loss to Holloway. It is unclear if the lightweight champion would have interest in a clash with Hooker, provided he gets past 'The Highlight'.