The UFC Lightweight Division is currently in a strange position, where there are different contenders who feel the next title shot.
Last month, Ilia Topuria shocked the world again when he hit former champion Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 to become the new lightweight champion.
Immediately after the fight, controversy was caused when Paddy Pimblett stormed the cage in a spontaneous face with Topuria, compiled by Joe Rogan.
Despite the fact that Topuria and Pimblett were confronted with, UFC boss Dana White expressed an aversion to the situation and he showed that 'The Baddy' may not be the next one for 'El Matador'.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Dan Hooker has beaten the UFC to consider Topuria vs Pimblett
Although White expressed an aversion to the face, there is still potential that the first defending defense of the Spaniard could come against Pimblett, which did not sit well with different contenders.
One of them is Hooker, who tried to set up a fight with Arman Tsarukyan, who, according to many, are the deserved number one competition.
'The Hangman' recently admitted that he was not interested in a fight against Pimblett and hit the UFC because he even considered a fight between the Brit and Topuria.
“The funny thing is that they might be able to do paddy (next for Topuria), which is an absolute P – take if he fights as a (Michael) Chandler and then gets a title shot, it is an absolute P – Take,” Hooker told Sky Sports.
In his last outing on UFC 314 last April, Pimblett won his most impressive victory so far when he completely dominated Michael Chandler. Nevertheless, the victory only moved him to rank nine and it was only the second ranked opponent he defeated.
“Who gives it at the end of the day, he won't hold the belt for long. If you were logical in Ilia's shoes, he would have to fight Arman, but he doesn't go because Arman is a really bad fight.
“If I sit there with the title and I get PPV points and I have to fight Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett, I would take the most difficult man, but if you are smart, take Paddy Pimblett.
“You get the most money because there is a lot of hostility, the most money and the worst hunter, so it's a win-win situation for Topuria,” Hooker continued.
Dan Hooker has rejected the chance of UFC Perth, because his relationship with the UFC takes a hit
Hooker is currently running on a streak of three fights and is firmly in the title interview on 155 pounds, especially with an impressive victory.
Nevertheless, the Kiwi has rejected the opportunity to fight at UFC Perth in September after the promotion had removed his UFC 317 tickets to see his teammate fight.
Since that situation, Hooker has admitted that his relationship with the UFC is on the rocks and emphasizes everything he has done for the promotion so far.