Dan Hooker unveils “straight-forward game plan” for smart but predictable Mateusz Gamrot ahead of UFC 305
Dan Hooker prematurely announced his fight with Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 on live TV ahead of New Zealand's recent rugby match against England. With his City Kickboxing teammates, Israel Adesanya and Kai Kara-France, having already been confirmed for the card, there was a cry for 'The Hangman' to join them.
The cry was most vocally led by Adesanya, who faces Dricus du Plessis in the main event of the pay-per-view card.
While the promotion is yet to officially announce the clash between Hooker and Gamrot, the Kiwi recently previewed his bout against the perennial contender during an interview with Combat TV.
The No.11 ranked lightweight believes the bout will unfold as a classic 'striker vs. grappler' matchup and is confident about his expectations for fight night. He said this:
"I classify him as pretty new to the UFC. I think he's only got eight fights in the UFC. The guy knows how to win, without getting hit. That's what you should be doing... 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):
Dan Hooker reveals his stubbornness secured him a spot on UFC 305
Dan Hooker will take on Mateusz Gamrot in front of a home crowd in Perth, Australia when the pair meet at UFC 305 in August.
However, according to the lightweight contender, neither the UFC brass nor his own management team were eager for him to compete in Perth. 'The Hangman recently revealed that he turned down a main event slot at UFC Paris in September against Frenchman Benoit Saint-Denis.
Hooker remained steadfast in his desire to fight alongside his City Kickboxing teammates, and he has been granted his wish.
During a recent interview with Submission Radio, the Kiwi discussed the details behind securing a fight date for August, saying this:
"Nothing beats the Anzac crowd, the Aussies, the Kiwis. Nothing beats being on a card with your brothers... I just stood my ground... [The UFC offered] The main event with the f****** French guy I've never heard of, and I was just like: 'I want to fight in Perth.'"
Watch Dan Hooker's interview below (2:45):