Dan Hooker welcomes interim title fight with Arman Tsarukyan in December: “I’d love to punch that guy in the throat"
Dan Hooker is hungry for a UFC title shot, and isn't bothered about whether or not it comes in the form of an interim belt. The Kiwi has found himself ranked No.5 at lightweight after beating perennial contender Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305, and is currently riding a three-fight win streak.
With lightweight champion Islam Makhachev nursing a hand injury, there is speculation that he will not be fit by the end of 2024. No.1 ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is expected to face Makhachev, but has shared interest in an interim bout, should the champion be unfit to compete.
Tsarukyan stated that he would be open to facing 'The Hangman' for an interim title, and Hooker has shared the Georgian's enthusiasm after being asked for his thoughts on the potential fight.
The 34-year old was recently interviewed by TheAllStar, where he said this:
"Yeah, f**k 'em. I'll fight him. Of course, I'd love to punch that guy in the throat. December, yeah. I would never turn down a fight in my life, let alone a title fight. That's what we all do it for. Yeah, perfect."
He continued:
"I learnt that the interim title gets pay-per-view points, the BMF title gets pay-per-view points. The only reason I want the [undisputed] title is the pay-per-view points. A belt is a belt."
Watch Dan Hooker's interview below (2:55):
Dan Hooker open to short notice title fights with Max Holloway or Islam Makhachev
Dan Hooker has no preference regarding which UFC title he fights for, and would be willing to step-up on short notice to face either Max Holloway or Islam Makhachev.
Holloway is scheduled to face Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 for the featherweight title. But having won the BMF title at UFC 300 against Justin Gaethje, should Topuria fall out, 'The Hangman' would be eager to fight the Hawaiian for the BMF belt.
Alternatively, should Makhachev's potential clash with Arman Tsarukyan go ahead, the Kiwi has no problem replacing either man if they cannot make it to fight night. During a recent interview with Submission Radio, he said:
"The BMF is something that fans love. They've always thrown my name in the hat for it. We'll have to see how it all plays out... [If] Ilia breaks his leg tomorrow, then that fight becomes a real possibility. On the same hand, [if] Arman breaks his leg tomorrow then who's gonna fight Islam for the world title? Whatever happens next... I need to get my a** ready for it."
Watch Dan Hooker's interview below (9:45):