Fans of violence were happy to see Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker booked for a co-main event at UFC 313.
Hooker vs. Gaethje was announced as part of the UFC 311 broadcast, and it immediately has fight of the year written all over it. ‘The Hangman’ and ‘The Highlight’ combine for 19 UFC performance bonuses and 30 professional knockouts.
Max Holloway knocked out Gaethje at UFC 300, and fans expect a tentative return for the legendary slugger. As for Hooker, he’s at one of the highest points in his 11-year UFC career, riding a three-fight winning streak and keeping a No. 6 ranking in the lightweight division.
Dan Hooker admits he’ll either win or go out on his shield at UFC 313
Speaking to Submission Radio after the UFC 311 announcement, Hooker made a bold prediction for his fight. It comes in the form of two extremes, win or die trying.
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“How long’s a piece of string, mate,” Hooker said. “Anything could happen. . . . His skill is often underestimated by a lot of fans – which I feel like as is mine. I know for a fact that there’s two fighters in there that are either going to win. . . . Or they’re going to die trying.
“[…] I either win or I go out swinging, that’s the two ways that this ends.”
Does a win over Gaethje secure Dan Hooker a lightweight title shot?
Hooker previously admitted he sold his world title opportunity for extra cash, but he might be on track for another shot at Islam Makhachev. Makhachev submitted Hooker in 2021 without much resistance. If the Kiwi scrapper puts the work on Gaethje, he could secure a rematch.
Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has acknowledged Hooker as an opponent, as well as Beneil Dariush if he passes his next test. Whether this mars the legacy of Makhachev remains to be seen since the champion has now defended his title against natural featherweight Alexander Volkanovski (twice), an aged Dustin Poirier, and now a late-notice replacement in Renato Moicano.