Dan Hooker Mocks ‘Unconscious’ Charles Oliveira for Signing Dangerous Fight Contract

UFC lightweight star Dan Hooker calls out Charles Oliveira for his latest fight announcement after suffering a knockout loss in June.

Dan Hooker Mocks ‘Unconscious’ Charles Oliveira for Signing Dangerous Fight Contract

Dan Hooker doesn't think Charles Oliveira should have come back immediately (via X)

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Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira was brutally knocked out by Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, leaving fans extremely shocked and disappointed. Following that devastating fight, many expected the veteran to stay away from fighting for a while, prioritizing rest and recovery. However, ‘Do Bronx’ will soon step back into action, something Dan Hooker considers completely unnecessary and ill-advised.

Recently, Oliveira surprised everyone by announcing his upcoming fight as the main event of UFC Rio in October. He is set to face dangerous lightweight Rafael Fiziev, who is coming off an impressive victory at UFC Baku earlier this year. In a recent interview, Hooker mocked the Brazilian star, criticizing him heavily for accepting such a risky and dangerous fight.

Six weeks ago, he was knocked out badly, unconscious, and now in eight weeks’ time, he’s going to step in the cage against Rafael Fiziev—that’s three and a half months between his last knockout loss. As a fan, I can’t see anyone even wanting to make this fight happen.

Dan Hooker via Sky Sports 

Oliveira recently gave an interview where he confirmed his strong motivation to fight and used the moment to criticize other lightweights. The Brazilian claimed fighters like Paddy Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan, and Justin Gaethje only wanted title shots and refused to accept his callout. He also mocked Hooker, accusing him of talking trash online constantly, but never actually backing up his words in fights.

Hooker and Oliveira have been embroiled in a long-running beef, with fans repeatedly anticipating a showdown. Hooker’s most recent fight occurred in August 2024, when he defeated Mateusz Gamrot, after which he withdrew from UFC 313 due to a hand injury requiring surgery. Despite their rivalry, no fight has yet taken place between the two, and Oliveira instead is focused on UFC Rio. 

Charles Oliveira addresses criticism following his fight announcement 

Despite his recent losses inside the octagon, Charles Oliveira continues to be a fan favorite, admired for his resilience and fighting spirit. This loyalty stems from his incredible underdog story, enduring numerous setbacks and UFC losses before finally breaking through the ranks. 

His championship run became one of the most exciting in recent UFC history, captivating audiences with finishes, comebacks, and relentless performances. Who can ever forget his title run that saw him run through the likes of Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.

Charles Oliveira talks about his comeback
Charles Oliveira talks about his comeback (via X)

Irrespective of the odds at UFC 317, many fans backed the Brazilian to win against Ilia Topuria, but it didn’t happen. Now, after his latest fight announcement, many fans have shared concern about his career. In a recent interview, ‘Do Bronx’ talked about this narrative and shared his honest opinion on the decision. 

I’ve never been knocked out in my life. Everything in life has a first time. Unfortunately, mine arrived; I was knocked out by a tough guy. I went home, sad, crying, angry. But now, truly, I’m more than ready… Listen carefully to what I’m going to tell you. A wounded lion is still a lion. And on October 11th, I’ll show you all that my story isn’t over. I’m more than alive, more than ready.

Charles Oliveira via AgFight 

Many fighters have made a quick return after suffering knockout losses. Flyweight rising star Joshua Van suffered a KO loss in July 2024 and returned to win in September 2024 for the Noche UFC event. Meanwhile, Alex Pereira suffered his KO loss against Israel Adesanya in April of 2023 and returned to defeat Jan Blachowicz in July 2023. As such, Oliveira remains highly confident.

Oliveira is renowned for his elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and dangerous submission game, holding the record for most submissions in UFC history. Against a dangerous striker like Rafael Fiziev, who possesses explosive knockout power, Oliveira’s ground game will remain significant. 

So far, very few fighters have been able to trouble Fiziev in the grappling department as the Azerbaijan fighter has tremendous takedown defense. As such, the Brazilian superstar has a tall task ahead of him. This stylistic contrast ensures Oliveira will enter UFC Rio as the fan favorite, with supporters excited for another classic striker vs. grappler showdown.

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