Tag: Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker Says He Would Fight Jon Jones In A Carpark

Dan HookerDan Hooker has gained a reputation among the MMA community as someone who would fight anyone at any time. But Hooker has taken this to a whole new level by taking shots at the former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.  This twitter back and forth happened over Christmas, with Jones’s comments about Chael Sonnen’s battery […]

Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker has gained a reputation among the MMA community as someone who would fight anyone at any time.

But Hooker has taken this to a whole new level by taking shots at the former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. 

This twitter back and forth happened over Christmas, with Jones’s comments about Chael Sonnen’s battery citations.

Speaking to TheAllStar Hooker said, “I kind of just threw something at the wall of the internet. I didn’t tag him or anything, [but] he decided on Christmas Day to tag me in [a tweet].”

“Do I have some kind of malice or ill-will towards Jon Jones? Definitely not. I don’t care, I don’t spend any time thinking about Jon Jones, I couldn’t care any less about Jon Jones. Would we ever fight? No, the fight would never make sense. Would I fight him in a carpark? If he had a problem with me of course I would oblige. I would never insult someone and not give them the opportunity to punch me in the face. That’s an entirely different discussion. But do I harbor any ill-will towards Jon Jones? Nah, definitely not.”

As the “Hangman” explained, a UFC fight between the two could never take place and they’re moving further apart in weight divisions. 

Hooker also spoke about why he felt the need to intervene with Jones’ comments on Twitter about Sonnen. 

“There’s a definite blurred line. To me, defending your wife from people insulting her is one of the most honorable things you could possibly do. To put hands on your wife is one of the most terrible things. This is my opinion and view on the topic… There’s only two arguments when it comes to that, people that think it’s not okay to physically abuse your spouse, and the other side where people think it’s okay if you’re really good at a sport. Those people, excuse my French, those people are f*****g idiots. Those people are just young, immature, and not up to scratch. It’s just not okay.” 

What’s next for Dan Hooker and Jon Jones? 

Hooker and “Bones” are actually moving further apart in weight divisions.

With Hooker now dropping back down to featherweight after losing three out of his last four bouts at lightweight. 

A fresh start at feather against number seven ranked Arnold Allen could be what the “Hangman” needs. 

Jon Jones has been rumoured to be moving up to heavyweight since vacating his light heavyweight title back in 2020, after what Jones has been tweeting since UFC 270 you can only imagine he will be making his heavyweight debut soon. 

What makes you more excited Dan Hooker back at featherweight or Jon Jones at heavyweight?

Dan Hooker vs. Arnold Allen Set For UFC London On March 19

Dan Hooker will make his return to featherweight when he takes on 145-pound contender Arnold Allen at UFC London on March 19.

The event, expected to take place at the O2 Arena, will mark the UFC’s first trip to England’s capital since before the CO…

Arnold Allen, Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker will make his return to featherweight when he takes on 145-pound contender Arnold Allen at UFC London on March 19.

The event, expected to take place at the O2 Arena, will mark the UFC’s first trip to England’s capital since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The promotion confirmed the addition of Hooker vs. Allen to the card on Monday.

While the March 19 card will represent the UFC’s return to across the Atlantic, it will mark an even bigger homecoming for Hooker (22-11), who will be returning to featherweight for the first time since 2016.

After a 3-3 start in the UFC at 145 pounds, “The Hangman” made the move to lightweight. There, he initially went 7-1 and defeated the likes of Gilbert Burns, Jim Miller, Al Iaquinta, and Paul Felder. But since a main event victory over “The Irish Dragon,” Hooker has seen his form plummet.

In his last four outings, the New Zealander has gone 1-3, falling to defeats against Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Islam Makhachev. Despite those names representing three of the toughest tests in the weight class, Hooker acknowledged that returning to contention will be difficult in the current lightweight landscape.

After a successful trial weight cut to 145 pounds late last year, Hooker made it clear he was pursuing a return to featherweight. Now, with his desired matchups against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung and Brian Ortega not coming to fruition, “The Hangman” will be welcomed back to the division by a surging Englishman.

At UFC London, Hooker will be looking to score one for the internationals when he faces Ipswich native “Almighty” Allen (17-1). The 28-year-old is widely considered the hottest prospect at 145 pounds and has found himself at #7 in the rankings after a perfect 8-0 start in the UFC.

Allen’s record on MMA’s biggest stage includes triumphs over Makwan Amirkhani, Gilbert Melendez, and Nik Lentz. Most recently, he established himself as the top rising contender in the division by getting past Sodiq Yusuff in April 2021.

Allen and Hooker will join a stacked UFC Fight Night card with a host of exciting names. The event will be headlined by an intriguing heavyweight contest between perennial contender Alexander Volkov and England’s best hope for a UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall.

Listed below are the fights currently expected to go down on March 19 in London, England:

Alexander Volkov vs. Tom Aspinall (heavyweight main event)

Dan Hooker vs. Arnold Allen (featherweight)

Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Sergei Pavlovich (heavyweight)

Jack Shore vs. Timur Valiev (bantamweight)

Paddy Pimblett vs. Kazula Vargas (lightweight)

Nathanial Wood vs. Liudvik Sholinian (bantamweight)

Makwan Amirkhani vs. Mike Grundy (featherweight)

Molly McCann vs. Luana Carolina (women’s flyweight)

Cody Durden vs. Muhammad Mokaev (flyweight)

Jake Hadley vs. Allan Nascimento (flyweight)

Cory McKenna vs. Elise Reed (women’s strawweight)

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC London, Dan Hooker or Arnold Allen?

Continue Reading Dan Hooker vs. Arnold Allen Set For UFC London On March 19 at MMA News.

Dan Hooker Drops To 145lbs, Takes On Arnold Allen At UFC London

Dan HookerIt looks like UFC London has got its co-main event. UFC officials have confirmed that long-time lightweight contender, Dan Hooker, is dropping down to featherweight and will take on British standout, Arnold Allen, who is currently ranked #7 at 145lbs. Hooker spent his first six UFC at featherweight. During this period (2014-2016) ‘Hangman’ went 3-3 […]

Dan Hooker

It looks like UFC London has got its co-main event.

UFC officials have confirmed that long-time lightweight contender, Dan Hooker, is dropping down to featherweight and will take on British standout, Arnold Allen, who is currently ranked #7 at 145lbs.

Hooker spent his first six UFC at featherweight. During this period (2014-2016) ‘Hangman’ went 3-3 before moving up in weight. The New Zealander has gone 8-4 since he made the switch to lightweight and is currently on a run of bad form losing three of his last four fights. Hooker’s last two losses have been particularly devastating as they have come via first-round stoppage to Islam Makhachev and Michael Chandler.

Allen appears to be the Darkhorse at featherweight, but he definitely shouldn’t be. ‘Almighty’ has won eight straight fights since joining the UFC and has beaten the likes of Gilbert Melendez and Sodiq Yusuff. It’ll be great to see him get a lofty showcase spot against a popular opponent at UFC London on March 19.

UFC London Card

Alexander Volkov vs. Tom Aspinall
Arnold Allen vs. Dan Hooker
Jake Hadley vs. Allan Nascimento
Luana Carolina vs. Molly McCann
Cody Durden vs. Muhammad Mokaev
Makwan Amirkhani vs. Mike Grundy
Jack Shore vs. Timur Valiev
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Sergei Pavlovich
Paddy Pimblett vs. Kazula Vargas

Who’ll win on March 19? Dan Hooker or Arnold Allen?

Pimblett On Makhachev’s Record: “I’d Submit Hooker In The 1st Round”

UFC lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett is not at all impressed with Islam Makhachev and his title credentials, claiming he’d also be able to submit Dan Hooker in the first-round.

Since falling to his only loss professional MMA at the hands of Adri…

Paddy Pimblett, UFC 267: Makhachev vs. Hooker

UFC lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett is not at all impressed with Islam Makhachev and his title credentials, claiming he’d also be able to submit Dan Hooker in the first-round.

Since falling to his only loss professional MMA at the hands of Adriano Martins in 2015, Makhachev has built a win streak impressive enough to ascend him into the top five at 155 pounds.

Victories over Arman Tsarukyan, Davi Ramos, and Drew Dober landed the Dagestani his first main event slot. At UFC Vegas 31, he made the most of it by submitting formerly-ranked contender Thiago Moisés. Having risen to #5 on the lightweight ladder, much to the bemusement of some, Makhachev had the chance to jump closer to the title three months later on Fight Island.

The Abu Dhabi fan favorite faced short-notice opponent Hooker at UFC 267 after a clash with long-time rival Rafael dos Anjos fell through for the third time. In the opening round, Makhachev showed his superiority on the ground by submitting “The Hangman” with a brutal kimura.

Having defeated a top-10 opponent and extended his active win streak to nine, many are beginning to sing the praises of Makhachev and brand him a future champion, suggesting he could perhaps even hold gold by the end of 2022. However, one rising 155lber doesn’t share the same sentiment.

During a recent appearance on Michael Bisping’s Believe You Me podcast, Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett downplayed Makhachev’s form and résumé. After suggesting the #4-ranked lightweight hasn’t beaten anyone of note except Hooker, Pimblett claimed he’d be able to beat the New Zealander in a similar fashion.

“Makhachev hasn’t fought anyone lad,” Pimblett said. “He’s only fought Hooker. I think I’d submit Hooker in the first round. That’s what I mean, he’s a kickboxer lad. I’d take him down and submit him.”

Pimblett Can’t See Makhachev Beating Gaethje, Oliveira Or Dariush

Following his victory over Hooker, many expected Makhachev to perhaps be accelerated to the title next. Unfortunately for him, Justin Gaethje’s winning performance in a Fight of the Year contender against Michael Chandler effectively prevented that from being a possibility.

With “The Highlight” set to challenge for Charles Oliveira’s gold this year, Makhachev has had to settle for a title eliminator against #3-ranked contender Beneil Dariush.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXtKADJKVW-/

But while many see Makhachev ending Dariush’s seven-fight win streak before dethroning the winner of Gaethje vs. Oliveira in late 2022, Pimblett doesn’t believe the Dagestani has what it takes to beat any of them.

“Whoever wins out of Oliveira/Gaethje (will enter 2023 with the title), because I can’t see Makhachev beating either of them… I think Dariush beats Makhachev. I rate Dariush mate, I think he’s very underrated. He’s fucking quality.”

We won’t have to wait long for the first of those three predictions to be tested. Makhachev and Dariush are set to headline a UFC Fight Night card on February 26.

Barring an inconclusive end to the next title fight or the intervention of a certain Conor McGregor, it stands to reason the victor will be joining the champion inside the Octagon at the end of this year.

Who do you think will have their hand raised on February 26, Islam Makhachev or Beneil Dariush?

Continue Reading Pimblett On Makhachev’s Record: “I’d Submit Hooker In The 1st Round” at MMA News.

Israel Adesanya Reacts To Hooker vs. Jones Twitter Beef

Israel AdesanyaIsrael Adesanya has chimed in on the recent social media beef between his teammate, countryman, and friend, Dan Hooker, and his long-time rival, Jon Jones. The former UFC light-heavyweight champion has been receiving flack from fighters and fans around the world ever since he was arrested on domestic violence charges back in September. Jones put himself back […]

Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya has chimed in on the recent social media beef between his teammate, countryman, and friend, Dan Hooker, and his long-time rival, Jon Jones.

The former UFC light-heavyweight champion has been receiving flack from fighters and fans around the world ever since he was arrested on domestic violence charges back in September. Jones put himself back in the firing line last week when he reacted to Chael Sonnen’s recent arrest and suggested that ‘The American Gangster’ was apprehended for the same crime.

It has since come to light that Sonnen was in fact protecting his wife and may have beaten up five people in the process.

Upon hearing of Sonnen’s heroics, Hooker took to social media to throw a dig at Jones.

“Imagine beating up 5 people and not one of them is your wife,” Hooker tweeted. “(JJones (Jon Jones) rn (mindblowing emoji)

On Christmas day, Jones fired back at the New Zealander.

“@danthehangman, every opportunity you’ve had to make a name for yourself and be closer to your boy Izzy, you dropped the ball,” Jones tweeted. “You can’t achieve greatness, so you hop online and attack someone who has. Sounds about right”

Dan Hooker & Israel Adesanya Respond To Jones’ Latest Tweet

‘The Hangman’ didn’t take Jones’ comment lying down and was quick to fire back at the disgraced MMA legend.

“I was triggered by your disingenuous attempt to bring attention to Chael’s situation,” Hooker wrote on Twitter. “He was arrested for defending his wife, you were arrested for assaulting yours. (apple & oranges emojis)”

“Life hack: if you don’t beat up your wife, family events will be more enjoyable. Merry Xmas bitch,” Hooker added.

Adesanya just couldn’t resist getting involved in the squabble. “I’m fun at family events!!” – Stylebender wrote in response to Hooker’s life hack comment.

Who are you backing in this social media beef? Israel Adesanya & Dan Hooker or Jon Jones?

Jon Jones Hits Back At Dan Hooker: ‘You Can’t Achieve Greatness’

Jon JonesJon Jones decided to fire back at Dan Hooker on Christmas day. The former UFC light-heavyweight champion has been receiving flack from fighters and fans around the world ever since he was arrested on domestic violence charges back in September. Jones put himself back in the firing line last week when he reacted to Chael […]

Jon Jones

Jon Jones decided to fire back at Dan Hooker on Christmas day.

The former UFC light-heavyweight champion has been receiving flack from fighters and fans around the world ever since he was arrested on domestic violence charges back in September. Jones put himself back in the firing line last week when he reacted to Chael Sonnen’s recent arrest and suggested that ‘The American Gangster’ was apprehended for the same crime.

It has since come to light that Sonnen was in fact protecting his wife and may have beaten up five people in the process. Upon hearing of Sonnen’s heroics, Hooker took to social media to throw a dig at Jones.

“Imagine beating up 5 people and not one of them is your wife,” Hooker tweeted. “(JJones (Jon Jones) rn (mindblowing emoji)

Jon Jones Suggests Dan Hooker Is Jealous Of Him

‘Bones’ waited for three days to hit back at Hooker who he seems to think is attacking him out of jealously. Jones compared his achievements to ‘The Hangman’ rather than directly addressing the comment referencing his domestic abuse arrest.

“@danthehangman, every opportunity you’ve had to make a name for yourself and be closer to your boy Izzy, you dropped the ball,” Jones tweeted. “You can’t achieve greatness, so you hop online and attack someone who has. Sounds about right”

Do you think Jon Jones has a point? Is Dan Hooker attacking him out of jealousy?