UFC Hall of Famer reveals best opponent for Justin Gaethje after Dan Hooker withdrawal

Daniel Cormier shares news about Justin Gaethje and the best lightweight to replace Dan Hooker at UFC 313.

UFC Hall of Famer reveals best opponent for Justin Gaethje after Dan Hooker withdrawal

Daniel Cormier believes Renato Moicano should replace Dan Hooker to fight Justin Gaethje (via Imago/X)

The much anticipated UFC 313 co-main event bout between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker is officially off. Less than two weeks before the fight, Hooker injured his hand, and fans missed out on a banger. However, according to UFC veteran Daniel Cormier, there is one potential replacement that makes the perfect sense.

Given the hype around the fight and the quality of the opponent, multiple fighters showed interest in being last-minute replacements. Cormier also made a video about the situation on his YouTube channel where he shared his conversation with Gaethje. DC shared Gaethje’s current mentality and his suggestion to the fighter. 

So, I asked JG, ‘Who do you want’? He goes, ‘I don’t care; I’ll fight any of those guys’. For me, ‘I want you vs Renato Moicano‘. I get it, Moicano just lost to Islam Makhachev in the way that he did. There’s no knocking him for that.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel 
YouTube video

Cormier explained that Gaethje is coming off a loss against Max Holloway, which took place at UFC 300. DC believes both Moicano and Gaethje will stand, and trade in the middle of the octagon in order to entertain the crowd. Irrespective of his loss against Islam Makhachev, Moicano is still one of the entertaining fighters in the lightweight division. 

FS Video

Other than Moicano, former opponent Rafael Fiziev have also issued a challenge to Gaethje for a rematch. Apart from that, Mateusz Gamrot has also shown interest in stepping up on short notice. It will be interesting to see who the UFC chooses for the much-anticipated lightweight clash.

UFC champion has a unique challenger for Justin Gaethje after Dan Hooker pullout 

Justin Gaethje is one of the most violent and entertaining fighters in MMA history. His nickname, ‘The Highlight’ is fitting because nearly all of his fights are wars. He thrives in chaos, delivering brutal leg kicks, relentless pressure, and wild exchanges. Gaethje’s style is a mix of elite wrestling and high-level striking with knockout power. 

Justin Gaethje fighting Michael Chandler in 2021
Justin Gaethje fighting Michael Chandler in 2021 (via X)

With Dan Hooker out of UFC 313, anybody going against Gaethje on short notice will have to take a massive risk. UFC champion Belal Muhammad hilariously suggested that former UFC fighter turned commentator, Paul Felder, could take the fight. As it turns out, the veteran’s response was equally amusing.

You trying to get me hurt.

Paul Felder via X 

Justin Gaethje is always hunting for finishes and is known for absorbing insane amounts of damage while dishing out even more. The American fighter prioritizes putting on a show instead of winning. However, after his last knockout loss, fans are expecting a change in his approach.

Related: UFC Top 5 ‘Knockouts of the Year’ 2024