Justin Gaethje doesn鈥檛 have a rival for his next fight but Dan Hooker seems keen to take on the American
New Zealand UFC star Dan Hooker was open to a fight against Justin Gaethje as he keeps an eye out for his next opponent.
Hooker was on a three-fight win streak but lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC: Poirier vs Hooker. This was a bit of a blow to the 30-year-old as he seemed set for a rise up the rankings and a possible title shot in the future too.
However, Poirier showed off his championship calibre and got the better of Hooker. The loss kept Hooker at #5 in the Lightweight rankings but he is looking a little higher.
Ali Abdelaziz claimed that Justin Gaethje would be the ones ranked #2 to #4. Gaethje is still ranked #1 in the division despite getting dominated by the champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254.
However, Hooker put up his name and wanted to challenge Gaethje, respectfully:
I would love the chance to compete against Justin, nothing but respect. 馃檹 https://t.co/GLLGcplO12
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) November 24, 2020
Abdelaziz explained why he didn鈥檛 put Hooker鈥檚 name in his tweet and the Egyptian also had a ton of respect for the Kiwi:
I didn鈥檛 mention you because I don鈥檛 know you personally but you always put on a show and nothing but respect to you too
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) November 24, 2020
Hooker vs Gaethje still needs some time
Gaethje might have lost to Khabib but no one has gotten the better of the Russian. The American isn鈥檛 set for a fight anytime soon and it will be interesting to see who he takes on.
However, a Hooker vs Gaethje fight isn鈥檛 possible now, at least based on the rankings. Poirier and Conor McGregor are ranked above the Kiwi star and will meet next year.
The other name above Hooker is Tony Ferguson and that could have been an amazing fight. However, Ferguson is busy with #6 ranked Charles Oliveira for UFC 256. Hooker would have to play the waiting game for now, and watch how the others ranked around him do in the division.
More UFC news
- Mike Perry rounds off horrible UFC 255 with wrong walkout music and possible broken nose
- (Photos) Ramiz Brahimaj has ear sliced in half after suffering horrifying injuries against Max Griffin
- Jack Hermansson believes he has one distinct advantage over Israel Adesanya
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates