Dan Hooker is currently on top after his incredible performance in the lightweight division. The Kiwi is coming for everybody in the division and recently called out former opponents Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler for rematches. Here is what happened:
Dan Hooker recently did an interview with Combat TV. During this interview, ‘The Hangman’ addressed his losses to Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler. He revealed that the reason he lost to the two top lightweights was because of short-notice matchups and a “series of stupid decisions.”
Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler are bragging about beating me… Bro, you’re bragging about beating me on 3 weeks’ notice while I was training in my garage.
Dan Hooker on Combat TV
Now after regaining his position in the top 5 in the division, the 34-year-old has a better understanding of what to do and what not to do. Now he is ready to face them again and everybody else above him in the division. Hooker first fought Dustin Poirier in June 2020, losing by decision after a hard-fought match. His fight against Michael Chandler in 2021 ended in a first-round knockout defeat.
⚡️😳Dan Hooker reveals he trained for his fights with Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler in his garage and now wants a rematch with both.
“Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler are bragging about beating me… Bro, you’re bragging about beating me on 3 weeks’ notice while I was… pic.twitter.com/KwKt0FGM0T
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 3, 2024
Now, after a series of recent wins, Hooker feels ready to “run it back” and has challenged both fighters to rematches. He particularly emphasized that they should not brag about beating him under those conditions unless they are willing to face him again now that he is better prepared.
Dan Hooker is not going to “sell” his title shot again after UFC 305 victory
With the latest interviews after his UFC 305 victory, it is clear that Dan Hooker is taking a more cautious approach in his career. Reflecting on his past decisions, Hooker admitted that he made some risky choices earlier in his career that did not pay off. Particularly when he agreed to fight debuting Michael Chandler at UFC 257 without proper preparation. That fight ultimately cost him a potential title shot.
Dan Hooker intends to take a careful approach this time (Image via X)This time, Hooker is determined not to repeat those mistakes. He talked about it in a recent sitdown on The Megan Anderson Show. ‘The Hangman’ emphasized the importance of not doing anything “d*mb” or “selling” his title shot again.
I kind of have learned that from my first rodeo to just kind of not do anything d*mb this time around. I mean, the last time I was No. 5, I agreed to fight Michael Chandler… It was not the smartest of decisions, so I guess this time around, I’m just not going to do anything d*mb.
Dan Hooker on The Megan Anderson Show
Having learned from his past, Hooker now appreciates the role his team and coaches play in his success. Now he plans to make more calculated decisions moving forward. The Kiwi is currently focused on maintaining his position in the rankings, with potential fights against top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan being on the horizon.
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