Dan Hooker Calls Out ‘Suspicious’ Ranking Change as Paddy Pimblett Moves 3 Spots Without Fighting

Dan Hooker questions a sudden UFC lightweight rankings shift after Paddy Pimblett jumps three spots despite no recent fights.

Dan Hooker Calls Out ‘Suspicious’ Ranking Change as Paddy Pimblett Moves 3 Spots Without Fighting

Dan Hooker calls out Paddy Pimblett's sudden ranking change (via MiddleEasy, BBC)

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The lightweight division remains one of the UFC’s most active and competitive weight classes, with top contenders working toward a title shot against Ilia Topuria. The latest rankings update added new intrigue to the division’s landscape. Dan Hooker took note of the changes after discovering Paddy Pimblett ranked ahead of him. The shift added another talking point to an already fluid top tier.

Hooker is scheduled to headline the UFC’s inaugural event in Qatar against Arman Tsarukyan in a crucial matchup. He enters the bout riding a three-fight winning streak over Jalin Turner, Mateusz Gamrot, and Claudio Puelles. His last appearance came against Gamrot in August 2024, marking a significant win in his recent run. The Qatar main event is positioned as one of the division’s most important fights of the year.

A major rankings shake-up followed Ilia Topuria’s title victory at UFC 317, altering the order within the top ten. That update placed Pimblett at No. 7, above several contenders with more recent activity. Subsequent losses by Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush pushed Pimblett upward again into the No. 5 position. The movement prompted Hooker to react as the standings continued to evolve.

How? They must be giving him the title shot, they must be cherry picking him a title shot. It is what it is.

Dan Hooker via UFC Qatar media day

Topuria and Pimblett have remained central figures in lightweight discussions due to their longstanding rivalry. The feud reignited after Topuria’s title win at UFC 317 when Pimblett entered the cage for a post-fight stare down. A physical exchange occurred as Topuria shoved Pimblett shortly after the confrontation began. Their ongoing tension has added extra attention to each update involving the two fighters.

Pimblett’s rise in the UFC has been marked by key wins over Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Jared Gordon during his climb. His most recent victory came against Michael Chandler at UFC 314, further elevating his status. While each win contributed to his rapid ascent up the rankings, there have been doubts regarding the UFC setting him up for a potential title shot.

Despite the rankings movement, the UFC has already set the path toward the next title challenger. CEO Dana White confirmed that the Qatar headliner between Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker will determine the No. 1 contender. The winner will be next in line to challenge Ilia Topuria, who has yet to record his first title defense. The division now awaits the outcome of the pivotal event.

Dan Hooker vows to wage war against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar

Dan Hooker’s upcoming main event at UFC Qatar has drawn major attention as he prepares for a high-stakes five-round showdown. He is widely recognized for his durability and dynamic striking ability. These traits were on display in battles against Dustin Poirier, Nasrat Haqparast, and Paul Felder. His style has consistently made him a central figure in marquee lightweight matchups.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar
Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar (via MMA Mania)

In the lead-up to UFC Qatar, Hooker has repeatedly directed trash talk toward Arman Tsarukyan. He has promised an intense and violent contest when the two meet in the cage. The buildup has intensified as Hooker continues to push the narrative surrounding their rivalry. His stance set the tone for the promotional material reflected in the circulated footage.

I am looking to get my hand raised. I wanna have a good fight, I want to put on a good fight for the fans. I want to put on a historial performance, five rounds of war.

Dan Hooker via UFC Qatar open workouts

Both fighters return to the Octagon after extended layoffs, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup. Hooker’s most recent appearance occurred in August 2024 during his win over Mateusz Gamrot. Tsarukyan last competed in April 2024, which has contributed to the lengthy wait for his next outing. Their comebacks are set to collide in a crucial main event with divisional implications.

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