Lightweight division rivalry heats up
Dan Hooker prepares for a fast return at UFC 325 in Sydney this weekend.
‘The Hangman’ faces Benoit Saint-Denis in another high-profile fight, but the 155-pound division has multiple big clashes this January.
Hooker told Paddy Pimblett a face-to-face meeting would settle their recent tension.
After the interim lightweight title fight last weekend, fans speculated whether Hooker vs. Pimblett could happen next.
Hooker won’t let anger dictate his next fight
The feud between Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker shows no signs of slowing down.
On January 24, ‘The Baddy’ suffered his first Octagon loss when Justin Gaethje defeated him over five rounds.
A fight with Hooker could give Pimblett a major comeback opportunity if conditions align.
Hooker repeated his “on site” warning on The Ariel Helwani Show, saying there would be no discussion if they met.
“What’s there to talk about? Anyone says that to me, I’ll kick your head in,” Hooker said.
Despite the tension, the 23-fight UFC veteran admitted he didn’t enjoy watching Pimblett lose and revealed he won’t chase him after UFC 325.
“That’s the dumbest thing you can do. We anger each other, but that’s always there. I had to respond so I’m not sitting upset. He’ll take time off, and we’ll see how it plays out. I won’t shoot myself in the foot because I’m mad.”
Hooker focuses on other big fights
Hooker doesn’t want a fight with Pimblett just because of bad blood.
He mentioned other potential fights on The Ariel Helwani Show if he wins at UFC 325.
“There are big fights ahead. The BMF title fight stands out. Between this fight and winning against BSD [Benoit Saint-Denis], no one else between me and Arman [Tsarukyan] wants the fight except me. I like Arman now; he’s won me over as a fan,” Hooker said.
A BMF title fight would be a major bout for Hooker, but a showdown with Pimblett in 2026 would still draw huge anticipation.
