Daniel Cormier heaped praise on a UFC lightweight prospect who he once begged to walk away from the fight after a past losing skid.
Daniel Cormier doesn't mince his words when it comes to his opinions on various MMA-related topics. As 2024 draws to a close, Cormier gave major credit to a fighter he once called for retirement after a series of struggles in the cage.
There are many intriguing examples of who deserves the UFC's 'Most Improved' award after another eventful calendar year in the Octagon. Renato Moicano, Kayla Harrison and others have stood out from the rest despite initially low expectations for the start of 2024.
For Cormier, one name stands out as his “Most Improved” after a sudden rise to the Lightweight Top 5.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Daniel Cormier honors Dan Hooker with 'Most Improved' title
During a recent episode of Good Guy/Bad Guy, Cormier named Dan Hooker his “Most Improved Fighter” of 2024.
“To me, at least, that's indisputable,” Cormier began about Hooker. “A few years ago…I was talking about him like it needed to be done! He is not well anymore, this man is fighting better than anyone through the pandemic. He loses to Chandler, Poirier, Makhachev and Arnold Allen, and the fights become uncompetitive.
“Then dyes his hair yellow, incredible tattoos, and comes back as the predator! Defeats Gamrot,” Cormier continued. “Made the necessary changes to extend his career. For me, it's Dan Hooker all day, and he's on the brink of one of the biggest fights he's had in his entire life. Finding yourself in that [great] positions today, however, because he wins and beats the best in the world.”
Hooker is on a three-fight winning streak after a skid of four losses in five previous fights. Most recently, he defeated Mateusz Gamrot via split decision at UFC 305 to earn a Top 5 seed in the lightweight division.
After a failed return to featherweight, Hooker has found a new lease on life since returning to 155 pounds. He is in the mix for a possible showdown with Conor McGregor after the former two-division champion hinted at a future fight in an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow.
Dan Hooker is knocking on the door of a potential title contender
Before the win over Gamrot, Hooker had consecutive wins over Claudio Puelles and Jalin Turner. During his promotional period, Hooker scored victories against the likes of Al Iaquinta, Paul Felder and Gilbert Burns.
Hooker is inching closer to a potential rematch with current UFC lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev. After taking a gamble on short notice at UFC 267, Hooker fell to Makhachev in the first round.
As Hooker looks ahead to 2025 and beyond, he is on the cusp of a world title shot and will look to add another title to City Kickboxing.
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