The UFC lightweight division has been home to some of the most notable strikers and highly regarded MMA fighters. Currently, Islam Makhachev from Dagestan holds the championship title in this division. Below, the fans will find a list of electrifying fighters, including Dan Hooker, Renato Moicano, Arman Tsarukyan, and many others.
Throughout his UFC career, Dan Hooker’s journey has been anything but not smooth. His record reflects a mix of victories and losses. In a recent interview on Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel, Hooker reflected on his experiences in the UFC. During the conversation, the Kiwi fighter acknowledged some of his poor fight choices, particularly against grapplers like Islam Makhachev.
At that stage of my career, I just wanted money, and they (UFC) capitalized on that. I sold my title shot; at the end of the day, that’s what it came down to. Then, obviously, I just wanted money, and I got money, and I was like, ‘Well, this is not cool. I want a world title’ and you can’t trade money for a world title.
Dan Hooker via FREESTYLEBENDER on YouTube
Hooker and Makhachev faced each other back in UFC 267, where the Dagestani fighter secured a rare Kimura submission victory. Before that match, the Kiwi fighter had just come off a win against Nasrat Haqparast. With that victory, he was on the verge of a potential title run. However, due to certain financial circumstances, Hooker chose to pursue money fights against grapplers, particularly against Makhachev.
🤝💸Dan Hooker went honest, admitting he ‘sold his title shot’ for money:
“That’s just different stages of your career. At that stage, I just wanted money… Then I got money, and I was like, ‘That’s not cool; I want a title.’”
🎥 @stylebender ▫️ pic.twitter.com/VJ539AGQSP
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 9, 2025
Over the years, the UFC community has seen the Kiwi fighter frequently take jabs at the Dagestani fighter. However, Makhachev has remained unfazed, consistently performing well and now holding the title of lightweight champion. Interestingly, Hooker is also making significant progress in the promotion. Better late than never!
Daniel Cormier bids for Dan Hooker as the ‘most improved fighter’ in 2024
The year 2024 in the UFC has been nothing short of extraordinary. From historic fight events to electrifying knockout victories, it has truly been a remarkable year. Among the many notable highlight reels and championship reigns, several veteran fighters have made a resurgence. Notably, in the UFC lightweight division, Dan Hooker and Renato Moicano have emerged as standout names.
Dan Hooker’s last UFC outing (Image via MMA Fighting)Speaking of Hooker, the Kiwi fighter has competed only once in 2024, facing Mateusz Gamrot. To everyone’s surprise, ‘Hangman’ emerged victorious after a three-round battle against the in-form Gamrot. In a discussion with Chael Sonnen and Laura Sanko, Daniel Cormier expressed his support for Hooker, calling him the most improved UFC fighter of 2024.
Dan dyes his hair yellow, unbelievable tattoos, and comes back as the predator! Beats Gamrot. Made the necessary changes to extend his career. For me, it’s Dan Hooker all day, and he’s on the verge of one of the biggest fights he’s had in his entire life. Finding himself in those [great] positions today though, because he’s winning and beating the best in the world.
Daniel Cormier via ESPN MMA
After his victory over Gamrot, Hooker has seemingly called out several other top fighters in the lightweight division. This has generated significant buzz around the Kiwi fighter, which is something many UFC athletes aspire to achieve in order to stand out. It will be interesting to see who Hooker faces in his next UFC fight.
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