Tag: Dan Hooker

Hooker Explains Why Johnson/Rodtang Special-Rules Fight Was “Silly”

UFC veteran Dan Hooker has detailed why he believes that the special-rules fight between Demetrious Johnson and Rodtang Jitmuangnon was “silly.” March saw ONE Championship host its 10-year anniversary extravaganza, ONE X, live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The event, which spanned well over nine hours, featured 20 fights that were split across three cards,…

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UFC veteran Dan Hooker has detailed why he believes that the special-rules fight between Demetrious Johnson and Rodtang Jitmuangnon was “silly.”

March saw ONE Championship host its 10-year anniversary extravaganza, ONE X, live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The event, which spanned well over nine hours, featured 20 fights that were split across three cards, Part I, Part II, and the Grand Finale.

While a host of MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling bouts were on offer, there was one unique contest that drew most of the global attention. In a first-of-its-kind clash, Johnson and Rodtang collided in a mixed-rules four-round fight.

While the first and third rounds were set for Muay Thai rules, Rodtang’s wheelhouse, the second and fourth were to be fought in MMA, significantly benefiting all-time mixed martial arts great “Mighty Mouse.”

The bout certainly delivered, with the first frame seeing the Muay Thai champion chase Johnson down and throw heavy leather. But not only did the former UFC flyweight king survive, but he also landed good shots of his own. When the second round began, Johnson went to work, eventually taking Rodtang’s back and choking him out.

While the contest was undoubtedly entertaining, Hooker has questioned how it could have gone any differently given Rodtang’s grappling inexperience.

Hooker: What Did You Think Was Going To Happen?

During an episode of his weekly show with John Hyon Ko for The AllStar, Hooker discussed the possibility of Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou meeting in a special-rules match of sorts, similar to the one on display at ONE X.

Recalling Johnson and Rodtang’s Circle meeting, “The Hangman” described it as a “silly fight” and one that was always going to fall in Johnson’s favor during the first MMA round.

The New Zealander pointed out that jiu-jitsu isn’t something a striker can learn in a short space of time, especially if they’re expected to battle a legend like “Mighty Mouse” on the mat.

“Silly fight. Silly fight. Just silly. What did you think was gonna happen? He (Rodtang) doesn’t know any jiu-jitsu? [LAUGHS]” Hooker said. “This is not The Matrix, you can’t just like, download jiu-jitsu and be good at jiu-jitsu. I can understand (if) he just didn’t even bother. How are you gonna get better than Demetrious Johnson at jiu-jitsu in a couple of months? Absolutely no chance.

“I like seeing things for fun. If we’re just doing it for fun, I want the promoter to come out and just tell me it’s just for fun. Let’s get a sumo wrestler to fight a luchador, for fun. I love a bit of fun,” continued Hooker. “But let’s not sit around and pretend this is serious, like Francis Ngannou fighting Tyson Fury is like, serious, because we actually wanna see what happens… In a car crash way you wanna see what happens, not, ‘I legit wanna see who’s better.’”

Hooker went on to explain that just because he or other combat sports enthusiasts will be willing to pay for bizarre and unique fights, it doesn’t mean that they’re ‘legitimate activities’.

“Let’s just make a cage drop down from the top and then throw a bear in there. I would like to see that. If you get Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury, and then put a cage, and put a bear in there, I would pay good money for that… But that doesn’t mean it’s a legitimate activity,” suggested Hooker.

ONE Championship recently asked fans which of its fighters they’d like to see face off in a hybrid-rules bout next. With that in mind, it seems Hooker may be witnessing a few more “silly” contests in the coming months and years.

Do you agree with Dan Hooker’s take on special-rules fights?

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Dan Hooker Responds To dos Anjos’ Harsh Rejection Of Callout

Dan Hooker has offered a response to Rafael dos Anjos after being promptly dismissed as a potential opponent. At UFC 272 last month, dos Anjos, a former 155-pound champion, returned to the Octagon for the first time since November 2020. Following a main event victory over late-notice replacement Paul Felder, the Brazilian’s momentum was stalled…

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Dan Hooker has offered a response to Rafael dos Anjos after being promptly dismissed as a potential opponent.

At UFC 272 last month, dos Anjos, a former 155-pound champion, returned to the Octagon for the first time since November 2020. Following a main event victory over late-notice replacement Paul Felder, the Brazilian’s momentum was stalled due to injury.

Even dos Anjos’ 2022 comeback had some obstacles along the way. His initial clash with Rafael Fiziev was pulled from its main event slot in February, before “Ataman” contracted COVID-19 during UFC 272 fight week, forcing his withdrawal from the re-arranged bout.

In Fiziev’s place came Renato Moicano. Despite showing immense grit and toughness, the young Brazilian was comfortably beaten by his more experienced compatriot across five rounds.

Now back healthy and back in the win column, “RDA” is looking for a quick turnaround. He took to Twitter this past weekend to call for an opponent to step up to the plate for this summer.

“July/August…anybody,” he wrote.

As it turns out, “anybody” actually means ‘anybody, except Dan Hooker’.

UFC London: Dana White gives his thoughts on Dan Hooker losing in featherweight return

As well as ranked lightweights Mateusz Gamrot and Brad Riddell expressing their availability for the timeframe in question, it was the response of Dan “The Hangman” Hooker that garnered the most attention.

With his response to dos Anjos’ open callout, in which he simply said, “Smash ya face in,” the New Zealander has seemingly suggested he’ll be returning to 155 pounds next time out.

If that is the case, it appears it won’t be to face dos Anjos…

Wasting no time in responding to Hooker, “RDA” pointed out their opposite form, which has seen the Brazilian win two straight and “The Hangman” lose two straight.

“I’m coming of 2 win and you 2 losses, gotta be kidding me [facepalm emoji]”

Dan Hooker Responds To dos Anjos’ Rejection

Soon after RDA’s dismissal, Hooker responded by alluding to the irony of dos Anjos’ rejection when juxtaposed with the rhetoric of the initial callout.

“Anyone means something else where I’m from,” Hooker wrote beside a crying laughing emoji.

Despite currently being ranked at #6 on the lightweight ladder, it stands to reason dos Anjos will be fighting down the order next time out, partly due to matchups scheduled above him, but also because his last two victories came against the now-retired Felder on less than a week’s notice and the unranked Moicano.

With that in mind, he could be best served accepting a re-arranged bout with Fiziev, who was also among those expressing a willingness to provide “RDA” with his desired summer clash.

Who would you like to see Rafael dos Anjos face this summer?

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Dan Hooker Provides Explanation For Recent Skid

UFC veteran Dan Hooker has assessed what’s caused his recent torrid run of form, which has seen him go 1-4 across his last five fights. In the words of the man himself, being a fan of Hooker isn’t an easy ride. “The Hangman” has always been regarded as a fan favorite, owing to the wild…

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UFC veteran Dan Hooker has assessed what’s caused his recent torrid run of form, which has seen him go 1-4 across his last five fights.

In the words of the man himself, being a fan of Hooker isn’t an easy ride. “The Hangman” has always been regarded as a fan favorite, owing to the wild and entertaining brawls that he’s brought to the Octagon throughout his UFC career. Unfortunately, it’s appeared those bouts have begun to catch up with him in recent times.

After a five-round war with Dustin Poirier in 2020, Hooker hoped to remain in the lightweight title picture by crashing the welcome party of former Bellator champ Michael Chandler. In less than three minutes, the New Zealander was finished.

While a rebound performance against the unranked Nasrat Haqpqarast provided some hope, a short-notice mauling at the hands of Islam Makhachev last October set Hooker back and forced a change.

But while the 32-year-old was optimistic about his chances of returning to form at featherweight, a co-main event spot against top contender Arnold Allen at UFC London proved to be too much. A defeat inside The O2 brought Hooker his third first-round defeat in less than a year-and-a-half.

Now, having been outcasted from the championship picture at lightweight and faltered upon his return to 145 pounds, Hooker has given an honest assessment of what’s been going wrong for him.

Hooker: “It’s Arrogance On My Part”

During the UFC Vegas 52 episode of his weekly event recap with The AllStar, Hooker discussed the factors that have caused the worst run of his career to date.

The New Zealander’s lockdown troubles and lengthy periods away from his family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have been heavily publicized. While Hooker received widespread praise and admiration for his commitment to fighting, it appears it wasn’t as manageable as he made it seem.

According to Hooker, he was arrogant to think he could perform at the top of his level under the circumstances he was under. For that, he put the entire blame on himself.

“Because I’m a big guy on like, mind over matter. But that’s, like, these last two years have taught me; it’s that mind over matter works in certain situations but not in all situations,” said Hooker. “You cannot rely on—and it’s like, a bit of, not a bit, like, it’s just arrogance on my part, too. It’s like, a lot of acknowledgment that I have to take.

“It’s arrogance on my part, thinking that I can beat guys of these caliber under the circumstances that I’m trying to do it under. Like, it’s crazy. And there’s only one excuse for that; it’s that my approach is arrogant,” added Hooker. “So, obviously, I have to take a step back and address that.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

Since his latest failing at UFC London last month, not much has been reported regarding Dan Hooker’s next steps. Many have suggested the return to featherweight should be put to a halt following the Arnold loss. And it seems Hooker may be on the same page.

He recently responded to an open callout from former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos on Twitter. The Brazilian’s call for a summer opponent was met by “The Hangman,” who is perhaps leaving the 145-pound class in his rear-view mirror for the second time.

Do you think Dan Hooker can bounce back from his current skid?

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Dan Hooker Offers To Land Summer UFC Return Against Rafael dos Anjos

Dan HookerWith former UFC lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos currently targeting a summer Octagon return, the Brazilian has received an offer of opponent from recent division staple, Dan Hooker – who welcomed a July or August comeback against the ex-champion. dos Anjos, 2-0 since his move back from welterweight back in November 2019, returned to the […]

Dan Hooker

With former UFC lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos currently targeting a summer Octagon return, the Brazilian has received an offer of opponent from recent division staple, Dan Hooker – who welcomed a July or August comeback against the ex-champion.

dos Anjos, 2-0 since his move back from welterweight back in November 2019, returned to the lightweight limit against short-notice replacement, Paul Felder in the main event of UFC Vegas 14, landing a clear-cut split decision win over the now-retired Philadelphia native.

Initially slated to feature in the co-main event of UFC 272 back in March against the surging striker, Rafael Fiziev – dos Anjos eventually shared the Octagon at a catchweight limit of 160lbs – defeating another short-notice replacement, compatriot, Renato Moicano over the course of five dominant rounds in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Following the victory, the Niteroi veteran welcomed both a BMF championship outing against Jorge Masvidal, as well as a rescheduling against former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor. 

With neither pairing yet to come to fruition, as well as any other fight for the Brazil native, dos Anjos campaigned for a summer comeback on his official Twitter last night – tweeting, “July/Aug… anybody.” 

Receiving a reply from New Zealand striker, Dan Hooker, dos Anjos has been offered an Octagon return – with the City Kickboxing mainstay tweeting, “Smash ya face in (man dancing emoji).”

Dan Hooker most recently featured back in March in a return to the featherweight limit at UFC London

Taking umbrage with Hooker’s callout, dos Anjos pointed to the recent form of Dan Hooker, who suffered defeat at the hands of both Islam Makhachev and then Arnold Allen in his featherweight return back in March at UFC London.

“I’m coming off 2 wins and you (are coming off) 2 losses, gotta be kidding me (man face palm emoji),” Rafael dos Anjos tweeted.

A former undisputed lightweight champion, dos Anjos clinched the title in the main event of UFC 185 in March 2015, defeating Anthony Pettis with a unanimous decision win, before returning in December of that to stop two-time opponent, Donald Cerrone with a first round knockout win in his sole successful title defense. 

Dan Hooker: If I Beat Arnold Allen, I’m On A 9-Fight Win Streak

UFC fan favorite Dan Hooker is looking forward to taking Arnold Allen’s featherweight momentum this weekend at UFC London. After falling to some of the top names at lightweight, leaving him 1-3 across his last four in the division, Hooker will return to 145 pounds for the first time since 2016 on Saturday. In his…

Continue Reading Dan Hooker: If I Beat Arnold Allen, I’m On A 9-Fight Win Streak at MMA News.

UFC fan favorite Dan Hooker is looking forward to taking Arnold Allen’s featherweight momentum this weekend at UFC London.

After falling to some of the top names at lightweight, leaving him 1-3 across his last four in the division, Hooker will return to 145 pounds for the first time since 2016 on Saturday.

In his way of a successful return to the weight class will be Arnold Allen. The #7-ranked contender is unbeaten in the UFC at 8-0, a record that includes victories over Nik Lentz and Sodiq Yusuff. The “Almighty” Englishman will be hoping to surge into the title picture by adding the established name of Hooker to his résumé next.

But while Allen’s goal is to take an unblemished 9-0 slate towards the top five, “The Hangman” is looking to nab that win streak from the 28-year-old’s grasp.

Hooker: “I’m Taking That Win Streak”

Despite recording wins over high-level names like Gilbert Burns, Al Iaquinta, and Paul Felder at lightweight, Hooker believes featherweight is the weight he can thrive at. He’s looking to show that, as well as a decade of hard work, when he shares the Octagon with Allen inside London’s O2 Arena on March 19.

And while leaving with a victory over the Ipswich native is the aim, the New Zealander believes a triumph on Saturday will see him exit the Octagon with a whole lot more than a sole success.

“Man, he’s on an eight-fight win streak. I saw one of those things (graphics) pop up, and there’s only Max Holloway ahead of him,” noted Hooker at UFC London media day on Wednesday. “I saw José Aldo’s win streak was only a six-fight win streak. So you have to say, an eight-fight win streak puts him up there. He’s the second-longest win streak in featherweight history. So, that is to be respected. He just hasn’t had that name. The guys that he’s beaten have obviously been world class and incredibly talented, but they just didn’t have that drawing power.

“It’s a win-win situation for the UFC. Either they get a guy on a win streak that beats someone with some name value, or they get a guy with some name value who—I’m taking that win streak. After this, I’m gonna be on a nine-fight win streak. So I’m excited to move on to the future on my nine-fight win streak,” Hooker jested.

Hooker’s pursuit of a return to title contention, which could see him match-up with City Kickboxing teammate Alexander Volkanovski down the line, begins this weekend.

With the weight of travel restrictions lifted from his shoulders and an apparent “easy” cut back to featherweight, Hooker will be hoping to show the best version of himself to date when he enters the Octagon for the first time in 2022.

Who are you backing this weekend, Arnold Allen or Dan Hooker?

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Dan Hooker Details Big Weight Lifted Off His Shoulders For UFC London

Ahead of UFC London, fan favorite Dan Hooker has revealed one heavy weight that’s been lifted off his shoulders since his last Octagon appearance. This weekend sees a host of returns. While the promotion is returning to England’s capital for the first time since 2019, Hooker will be heading back to the featherweight division for…

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Details Big Weight Lifted Off His Shoulders For UFC London at MMA News.

Ahead of UFC London, fan favorite Dan Hooker has revealed one heavy weight that’s been lifted off his shoulders since his last Octagon appearance.

This weekend sees a host of returns. While the promotion is returning to England’s capital for the first time since 2019, Hooker will be heading back to the featherweight division for the first time since transitioning to lightweight in 2017.

A 7-1 start at 155 pounds seemingly suggested “The Hangman” had found his ideal division and was set to make a run for gold. But three defeats in his last four fights have forced a change.

Despite feeling he can still compete with the best at lightweight, Hooker acknowledged that he can’t contend there until the landscape at the top changes. With that in mind, he’s ready to return to a weight he believes he can thrive at.

In the UFC London co-main event this Saturday, the New Zealander will jump straight into the mix against #7-ranked contender Arnold Allen.

While a return to his old stomping ground is reason enough to be excited, on March 19, Hooker will be fighting for the first time without the cloud of travel uncertainty looming overhead.

Hooker Excited To Embrace Post-Fight “Freedom”

Fighters across the world have dealt with adversity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But not many have had the kind of struggles that have plagued Dan Hooker.

Those issues were well publicized prior to UFC 266 last September. Hooker, who fought and defeated Haqparast at the US-held event, was forced to train away from his gym due to the lockdown in place at the time, even encountering the police when he attempted to use his facility.

Coupled with that were visa issues. When the veteran made a social media appeal calling for the process to be completed in time for the event, it seemed his fight was in jeopardy. Eventually, he made it to America the day before the weigh-ins.

As if that wasn’t hard enough, Hooker has also spent extended periods away from his family due to his inability to re-enter the country following his bouts. However, that is no longer the case.

During an appearance on The MMA Hour on Monday, Hooker revealed his relief at the opening of borders in New Zealand for the country’s citizens.

“Freedom. We’re like, we’re back. There’s (still) restrictions, but not to our training. Our training will never be shut down again. We’re through it. Our border is now open for New Zealand citizens, so I can go and fight, and I can come home, which is just unreal. It’s unreal the weight that that lifts off your shoulders.”

While he often appeared calm and unfazed by his lengthy stays in the US and away from his wife and child, “The Hangman” admitted it played on his mind during his fights.

“You play it pretty cool when people are like, ‘Oh, you’re gonna go over and fight and then you’re not gonna be home for four months,’ and you’re like, ‘Yeah, yeah. I’m not gonna think about that.’ Of course, that plays on your mind when you’re fighting, especially—I’m not saying it’s any kind of excuse, but with the kind of fights I get myself into take a certain amount of time to recover from, months.

Dan Hooker says City Kickboxing will likely relocate from New Zealand due to lockdown rules: 'Our hand is forced' - Opera News
Dan Hooker

“And that’s the part of fighting that people don’t see. They see you on the television and a couple days after the fight, every now and then when you post something on social media, but I’ve had some fights in my career that have taken months to recover from. Being back home, being on your couch, being surrounded by your friends, your family, having my child there, my wife there; that is everything. That helps you heal.”

Following his clash at UFC London, Hooker will be able to immediately fly out and reunite with his family, who he’s yet to see in 2022.

“Of course, it would play on your mind when you’re going away to fight and you can’t do any of that, you can’t see any of those people, and you’re going to be stranded in a foreign country with no friendly faces for months on end. It definitely changes the ingredients. But now it’s all changed. We’re back to normal. I fly straight back home. It’s just like, a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

With travel stress gone and the anticipation for a new venture at featherweight, we could well see a new Dan Hooker take to the cage on March 19. If he makes a successful return to the division, featherweight will have the addition of another top contender.

Do you expect Dan Hooker to make a successful return to featherweight by defeating Arnold Allen this weekend?

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Details Big Weight Lifted Off His Shoulders For UFC London at MMA News.