Midnight Mania: Hospital-Bound Hooker Relishes Gaethje War

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Dan Hooker is not expecting an easy night of work at UFC 313.

We’re a little less than three weeks away from his co-main event showdown versus Justin Gaethje, which is scheduled for five full rounds of violence. The reason behind that addition 10 minutes of action? “The Hangman” claims the promotion wants to see somebody go down hard.

Hooker is planning for a big win and aiming for the title, but even so, he’s not planning an after party … unless maybe cracking a beer at the hospital counts?

“I know full well, 100% that no matter whose arm is raised, I’m going straight on a stretcher,” Hooker predicts. “Straight into the back of an ambulance and I’m going to the hospital. I’ve come to terms that’s how this night is gonna end baby. I’ve come to terms with that brother. I’ve embraced it. So, if somebody is not willing to go to the lengths that I’m willing to go through, they’re gonna have a hard night.”

Both Hooker and Gaethje are beloved by fight fans for their aggressive, offense-first styles. Time and time again, we’ve seen the duo score a quick finish or put on one of the year’s best fights. They’re both the definition of kill-or-be-killed athletes, which is why their co-main event bout is so hotly anticipated.

The stakes are especially high in that both men are in the midst of a likely final title push. Gaethje had a title shot fairly in the bag until he opted to remain active and fight Max Holloway at UFC 300 … which did not work out. Hooker, meanwhile, is on his best win streak since 2020 after a rough couple years. Seeing as both are in their mid-30s, it’s likely now-or-never for their UFC title dreams.

Who takes a step in the right direction?

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Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.