Rumors of Israel Adesanya facing Dricus Du Plessis for the title remain more and more likely. After trading some barbs on social media, the duo dropped hints of a UFC 305 bout. Du Plessis has previously suggested Adesanya as his next opponent. Now, Dan Hooker says all systems are go!
Dricus Du Plessis had made a callout after capturing the middleweight strap from Sean Strickland in January. DDP said on Cameron Saaiman’s MSP Show that he had to discard an offer to fight ‘The Last Stylebender’ at UFC 300 on April 13 due to injury. Nevertheless, he hasn’t disregarded Israel Adesanya from his ambitious hitlist. Now, Dan Hooker namedropped fellow countrymen Adesanya and Kai Kara-France as top players for UFC 305.
We’ll be in Perth with the boys, and I think yeah…from looking around the gym, obviously, there’s talks that Israel, it will be myself, Israel and Kai coming up at UFC Perth…So yeah, I’ve got my eyes on Perth… I’ve got a mild hint at an opponent, but we’ll have to save that for another day, I believe.
Dan Hooker via Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz)
Adesanya (24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) has remained on a self-imposed sabbatical since UFC 293. The bad blood between the Nigerian Zealander and Du Plessis has existed since before, with both grunting for the grit of a “true” African. UFC 305 Live From RAC Arena In Perth, marks a momentous stance. Australia marks the first two largest non-domestic attendances; both PPV events and Adesanya top the list.
His UFC 243 win thrust him beyond the upper echelons of 185-pound standouts. His all-out war in a title grudge match on common turf can go similarly. Dan Hooker, co-main to the former champ, won on the card as well. The MMA fan following has remained angsty on the crowd-favorite Adesanya’s return. Now, the City Kickboxing NZ peer Hooker says it’s practically a guarantee.
Dan Hooker couldn’t fight at UFC 303 as he awaits new opponent
Dan Hooker recently did a sitdown with Sky Sports NZ. In no shortage of words, he voiced his excitement about returning to the Octagon at UFC Perth. The 23-12 fighter last bagged a decision win against UFC Lightweight peer Jalin Turner at UFC 290. His next return frame was delayed because some of his previous injuries hadn’t healed. He also noted that former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is amidst active negotiations for the card.
Along with City Boxing peer Israel Adesanya, lightweight Dan Hooker remains angsty for a return (Source: UFC.go.com/X)The 34-year-old former boxer and kickboxer has had a rivalry with Dricus Du Plessis for a long time. Du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) confirmed that he was approached for UFC 300 before; he’s also open to UFC 305.
Unlike them, though, Hooker’s expectant opponent is still in the wind. ‘The Hangman’ has expressed interest in facing top-ranking contender Beneil Dariush during International Fight Week. He and Renato Moiano have also exchanged words in recent times.
Other than that, though, there’s no opponent due to his long layoff. The Kiwi fighter revealed he was targeting UFC 303, where Conor McGregor returns against Michael Chandler. But, he did not get an opponent for International Fight Week. Hence, fight fans will have to wait till the Perth PPV event to witness Hooker fight again.
