“Punch Beneil Dariush’s head clean off his shoulders,” Dan Hooker wants to fight top ranked contender on International Fight Week

Dan Hooker wants to smash Beneil Dariush on his octagon return.

“Punch Beneil Dariush’s head clean off his shoulders,” Dan Hooker wants to fight top ranked contender on International Fight Week

Dan Hooker talks about fighting Beneil Dariush (via Imago)

Dan Hooker is gearing up for an electrifying UFC comeback after an injury disabled from remaining active. Hooker remains determined to make an impact after a year away from the octagon. With his sights set on Beneil Dariush, Hooker isn’t afraid of tough challenges to get ahead in rankings.

Dan Hooker recently appeared on The Allstar MMA YouTube channel. The Kiwi fighter wanted to face and destroy Beneil Dariush next. Hooker wanted to faceoff in the highly anticipated International Fight Week card to capture as much attention as possible.

June on that card, if Beneil wants it, I would love to. I would love to take that fight… June, International Fight Week, I will punch Beneil Dariush’s head clean of his shoulders. There is no doubt about it. That would obviously be my top pick, he has been quiet shooting his shot, I don’t know if that’s a date he’s willing to commit to. If I get a contract through, I’ll be signing that in two seconds.
Dan Hooker via The Allstar YouTube
YouTube video

In theory, especially at UFC 303, a matchup between Hooker and Dariush makes sense. With back-to-back losses, Beneil will have to fight Hooker, who is ranked lower than him. The sixth-ranked Dariush needs a win as soon as possible to remain relevant in the rankings. As such, Hooker remains the best opponent with significant name value.

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Hooker, on the other hand, is coming back from an injury he had during his fight in July last year. The Kiwi missed his shot with Bobby Green at the end of 2023 due to the same injury. Initially, he had planned to return for UFC 300. However, International Fight Week remains the most possible option for return at the moment.

Dan Hooker labels Renato Moicano as the ‘easiest money’ fight in the UFC

Renato Moicano shut down his opponent, Jalin Turner, via TKO at UFC 300. It was a great performance by the Brazilian, who later mocked Dan Hooker for not being able to do the same. Hooker fought Turner last year and won via decision. However, for Moicano, it wasn’t enough to make fun of the New Zealander. 

Dan Hooker doesn't mind fighting Renato Moicano
Dan Hooker doesn’t mind fighting Renato Moicano (via The Sun/MMA Fighting)

Hooker is in no mood to let that slide and is ready to fight Moicano anytime. Hooker claimed the fight against Moicano was an easy fight due to the Brazilian’s suspected weak chin. 

But obviously, Moicano is there as well. If Beneil doesn't want it, Moicano calling me 'easy money,' brother, you're the easiest money I ever seen in my life you chinless s****bag. I'll come for him in a heartbeat
Dan Hooker via The Allsar YouTube

Ahead of UFC 300, Hooker chose Turner to win against Moicano, but it seems like the Brazilian didn’t like that. With the new rivalry taking shape, UFC might not miss the opportunity to create a good match-up. The UFC has a chance to book Moicano vs. Paddy Pimblett for UFC 304 in the UK; if not, the matchup against Hooker also remains enticing. It remains to be seen what direction the UFC would go for in the lightweight division.

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