Violence fans 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 are expecting a cautious return for the legendary slugger. As for Hooker, he is at one of the highest points in his 11-year UFC career, riding a three-fight winning streak and maintaining a No. 6 ranking in the lightweight division.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Dan Hooker admits he will either win or face shield at UFC 313
Speaking to Submission Radio after the announcement of UFC 311, Hooker made a bold prediction for his fight. It comes in the form of two extremes: win or die trying.
“How long is a string, mate,” Hooker said. “Anything can happen. . . . His skills are often underestimated by many fans, which in my opinion is the same as mine. I'm sure there are two fighters who will win. . . . Or they die trying.
“[…] Either I win or I go out swinging, those are the two ways this ends.”
Does a win over Gaethje give Dan Hooker a lightweight title shot?
Hooker previously admitted he sold his world title shot for extra money, but he could be on track for another shot at Islam Makhachev. Makhachev submitted Hooker in 2021 without much resistance. If the Australian scrapper puts the work on Gaethje, he could secure a rematch.
Makhachev's manager Ali Abdelaziz has recognized Hooker as an opponent, as well as Beneil Dariush if he passes his next test. Whether this mars Makhachev's legacy remains to be seen, as the champion has now defended his title against natural featherweight Alexander Volkanovski (twice), an aging Dustin Poirier, and now a late replacement in Renato Moicano.
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