“Closer to middleweight”- Dan Hooker rules out a return to 145lbs in the future

“Closer to middleweight”- Dan Hooker rules out a return to 145lbs in the future

Dan Hooker

UFC fighter Dan Hooker is now taking a step back from extreme weight cutting and a step back into the division he was once making statements at. Hooker, the former fighter at lightweight, last fought at featherweight, where he fought very early in his career. Unfortunately, it was not Hooker’s night as his opponent at UFC London, Arnold Allen handed him a first-round knockout loss. Hooker is now 1-4 in his last 5 fights.

Dan Hooker vs Arnold Allen at UFC London
Dan Hooker vs Arnold Allen at UFC London

However, Hooker cannot be counted out for the fighters he fought have been absolutely exceptional names on the lightweight list such as Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler and Islam Makhachev. At his absolute best, Hooker is a striking wizard from New Zealand’s City Kickboxing, the home of middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Hooker’s notable wins include the likes of Ross Pearson, Gilbert Burns, James Vick, Al Iaquinta, Paul Felder, Jim Miller and many more.

Dan Hooker choosing to return at 155lbs

Dan Hooker
Dan Hooker during weigh-in

In an interview with Submission Radio, Hooker talks about if he will ever be willing to get back to fighting at featherweight again, and the response was quite clear and expected.

“F**k no, I couldn’t make 145 if I wanted to … I’m closer to middleweight than I am to featherweight… I couldn’t stay at 145, obviously [made] a lot of sacrifices getting into that.. [and] that extra sacrifice was to get me in the same position that I was in… [so] I am out of that [featherweight] conversation.”

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With Hooker having trouble amongst the elite strap of the lightweight division, there must definitely be someone in the lower rankings that can deliver an exciting fight alongside “The Hangman”. Who do you think should Hooker fight next? Upcoming Muay Thai specialist Rafael Fiziev can go against Hooker if he doesn’t get his desired fight against Dos Anjos. Another couple of upcoming fighters to the top rankings, Arman Tsakuryan and Mateusz Gamrot can put on a tough challenge but Hooker’s experience still has an edge over these fighters.

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Also Read: “I’m back” Jake Paul officially reveals the date of his big return to boxing in 2022