A huge lightweight contest between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker was recently hinted at by one of the 155-pound division’s top contenders. #10-ranked Renato Moicano told Laerte Viana that they are being lined-up to face one another according to “people behind the scenes”.
| Renato Moicano says that he's hearing information from “behind the scenes” that Justin Gaethje will fight Dan Hooker next.
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— MMA Frenzy (@mma_frenzy) December 19, 2024
| Renato Moicano says that he's hearing information from “behind the scenes” that Justin Gaethje will fight Dan Hooker next. 
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MMA Mania’s Alex Behunin has since reported that though nothing is confirmed or signed as of yet, this matchup has been talked about for UFC 313 on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Gaethje has been out of action since his knockout loss against Max Holloway in the incredible BMF title fight that took place at UFC 300 in April. “The Highlight” has produced some instant classics against many of the division’s best and though the same can be said for Hooker, they’re somehow yet to cross paths.
“The Hangman” recently made his return to the top of the weight class by pulling off a massive victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in August. Hooker previously ruled himself out of a return for UFC 312 that takes place in February in Sydney but stated that the Gaethje fight would be his preferred option.
The former interim lightweight champion also stoked the flames of this absolute barnburner by responding to a post on X.
— Justin Gaethje
(@Justin_Gaethje)
There is yet to be any major fights announced or reported for UFC 313 but it is confirmed to be taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 8.