There aren’t many active UFC fighters who are more popular than Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker, whose recent career resurgence is one of the most uplifting stories in MMA today. After a turbulent few years, the well-liked Kiwi has reestablished himself among the elite of the lightweight division. However, he recently confessed that his desire for financial gain led him to ‘sell his title shot.’
In a remarkable span between 2018 and 2021, Hooker competed against top-tier fighters like Gilbert Burns, Paul Felder, Edson Barboza, Al Iaquinta, Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Islam Makhachev. This impressive lineup illustrates his tenacity and skill as a fighter. Unfortunately, the last match against Makhachev in 2021 remains a painful memory, as he chose to face the future lightweight champion in Abu Dhabi at a time when he was a strong contender for a title shot.
Reflecting on that decision, Hooker candidly stated, “It’s just different stages of your career, like at that stage of my career I just wanted money.” He acknowledged that the UFC took advantage of his financial ambitions, ultimately costing him a shot at the championship. “They capitalized on that, and I sold my title shot. At the end of the day, that’s what it came down to… I just wanted money,” he explained. Hooker emphasized that you cannot trade money for a world title, underscoring the difficulty of balancing financial incentives with championship aspirations.
Having been a UFC fighter for over a decade, Hooker elaborated on how the mindset of top fighters evolves over time. As careers progress, it’s essential to continuously set new goals to seize every opportunity and avoid the pitfalls he encountered. “It’s like you’ve got to constantly set yourself new goals,” he commented. He recounted the journey from wanting to become a UFC fighter to striving for a ranked position, and then aiming to headline events, highlighting the relentless pursuit of achievement in his career.
Hooker smiled knowingly as he described the thrill of chasing goals, recognizing that the pursuit itself is where the real enjoyment lies. With 2025 on the horizon, fans are left wondering what kind of challenges and experiences Hooker will seek next in his MMA career.
Following his impressive victory over Mateusz Gamrot in August and a subsequent rise to the #6 ranking, Hooker believes his next fight “has to be something big.” Given that many fighters in the top tier are currently on losing streaks, his win streak positions him well for high-profile matchups. He remarked, “The only names I’ve heard from the UFC are all upwards,” indicating his intent to move forward rather than backward in the rankings.
Hooker teased the possibility of a title fight, perhaps for the BMF belt, but he also claimed he’s currently the ‘frontrunner’ to face Conor McGregor upon the latter’s return. In a recent interview, he expressed awareness of McGregor’s situation, suggesting that he might make for an apt opponent in this context.
“Conor’s going through a lot of stuff behind the scenes right now,” Hooker stated. He noted the oddity of McGregor fighting someone with whom he has genuine animosity, given the personal turmoil swirling around the elevated stakes of a high-profile matchup. As friends with individuals in McGregor’s circle, Hooker emphasized that he’s not one to publicize anyone’s difficulties, reinforcing his respect for the sport and its athletes.
As discussions around his next potential fight emerge, fans are eager to know who might step into the octagon with Hooker next. Would they prefer a BMF title showdown against Max Holloway, or the lucrative opportunity that would come with McGregor’s anticipated return? It’s clear that no matter the outcome, Hooker remains a compelling figure in the lightweight landscape.
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