Tag: UFC 305

Dan Hooker Reveals He Will ‘Probably’ Be Highest-Paid UFC Lightweight In New Five-Fight Deal

Dan Hooker recently revealed that he inked a lavish new deal with the UFC, claiming it could potentially make him the highest-paid lightweight fighter on the roster. “The Hangman” is gearing up for a clash with Mateusz Gamrot on the main card of UFC 305, scheduled to go down this weekend at the iconic RAC […]

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Dan Hooker recently revealed that he inked a lavish new deal with the UFC, claiming it could potentially make him the highest-paid lightweight fighter on the roster.

“The Hangman” is gearing up for a clash with Mateusz Gamrot on the main card of UFC 305, scheduled to go down this weekend at the iconic RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

Hooker has been particularly exhilarated about competing on the Australasia pay-per-view card, especially since it offers him the chance to fight alongside his City Kickboxing teammates, Israel Adesanya and Kai Kara-France.

The 34-year-old New Zealander last stepped into the Octagon against Jalin Turner at UFC 290 in July 2023, where he showcased incredible grit by fighting through a broken arm to earn a hard-fought split-decision victory. He was originally set to make his comeback against Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night Austin last December, but he was forced to pull out after reinjuring his arm.

Hooker has been a constant fixture in the UFC’s 155-pound division since 2014, earning notable victories over respected fighters such as Gilbert Burns, Paul Felder, and Jim Miller. Despite these impressive wins, he has struggled to fully harness his momentum and consistently perform at the level of his true potential.

As one of the division’s seasoned veterans, Hooker is now reaping the rewards of his dedication, having recently signed a fresh deal with the UFC—a development that has sparked excitement for him…

Hooker On New UFC Deal: ‘They Don’t Pay for Playing Nice’

During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Hooker revealed that he’s secured a fresh five-fight contract with the UFC. “The Hangman” explained that the negotiation process was lengthy.

While the exact details of Hooker’s contract remain under wraps, now that the deal is sealed, he’s confident it catapults him into the upper echelon of earners within the lightweight division.

“It’s been in the works for some time. I was on my last fight, which was supposed to be against Bobby Green and all that,” Hooker said. “So, it’s something that’s been in the background for quite a while now, but to finally get it all signed before this big deal is great. As far as I know, besides the big pay-per-view guys and the champs, I’ll probably be the highest-paid lightweight out there. You’ve got to stand your ground, brother—they don’t pay you for being nice.”

Hooker is currently riding the momentum of a two-fight resurgence after a brief and challenging stint in the featherweight division, where he endured a first-round knockout at the hands of Arnold Allen in March 2022. With a UFC record of 13-8, Hooker is determined to keep his victorious momentum going come Saturday night.

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Reveals He Will ‘Probably’ Be Highest-Paid UFC Lightweight In New Five-Fight Deal at MMA News.

Darren Till On Israel Adesanya Being In The Top 10 MMA GOAT List: MMA Fans Are Quick To Go ‘You’re S**t!’

Israel Adesanya has got a huge task waiting for him on August 17 in Perth, Australia. After losing his UFC middleweight title in a shock upset against Sean Strickland at UFC 293, he made the decision to take some long overdue time away. In fact, his one-year break is the longest he has taken since […]

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Israel Adesanya has got a huge task waiting for him on August 17 in Perth, Australia.

After losing his UFC middleweight title in a shock upset against Sean Strickland at UFC 293, he made the decision to take some long overdue time away.

In fact, his one-year break is the longest he has taken since signing to the UFC, where he has been one of the most active major names on the roster.

Coming back to face Dricus Du Plessis is a tall order but in doing so, he can make history by becoming a three-time champion at 185 pounds.

It was already incredibly impressive when he got revenge over Alex Pereira in their rematch to win back the title for the second time but to do it again, could put him into all-time great conversations.

Darren Till Agrees That UFC 305 Is Huge For Israel Adesanya’s Legacy

During a recent interview with Title Sports Network, former UFC middleweight contender Darren Till gave his thoughts on what a win at UFC 305 could do for Adesanya’s legacy.

Having already looked to pass on some advice to “The Last Stylebender” based on what he learned in his fight with Du Plessis two years ago, the scouse fighter has always been open about being a fan of Adesanya.

He agreed with the sentiment that reclaiming the middleweight throne will at least put Adesanya into ‘top 10’ conversations regarding legacy.

Till did also add that this in itself is a problem with the MMA fanbase, where opinions can change drastically from fight to fight due to recency bias.

“Yeah, I think if Adesanya beats Du Plessis, he’s in that conversation [of top 10 GOATs in MMA] cuz he’s beat everyone. So yeah, I think people, this is the problem again we were talking about the MMA fans, they’re so quick to just go, ‘Oh you’re s***!’ It’s just quite annoying like Adesanya is a f****** phenom and I’m one of them guys that talk a lot of s*** but when it comes down to reality, you have to give like respect to some of these, yeah the props, 100%.”

Read also: Daniel Cormier Wasn’t Interested In Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya Before ‘Uncomfortable’ Bad Blood

Continue Reading Darren Till On Israel Adesanya Being In The Top 10 MMA GOAT List: MMA Fans Are Quick To Go ‘You’re S**t!’ at MMA News.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page Predicts Head Kick KO In UFC 305 Main Event: ‘The King Is About To Return To The Throne!’

Michael “Venom” Page recently offered his insights into the highly anticipated middleweight title showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, suggesting that the fight could end with a spectacular head kick knockout. “Stillknocks” is set to defend his championship for the first time in a grudge match against Adesanya in the […]

Continue Reading Michael ‘Venom’ Page Predicts Head Kick KO In UFC 305 Main Event: ‘The King Is About To Return To The Throne!’ at MMA News.

Michael “Venom” Page recently offered his insights into the highly anticipated middleweight title showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, suggesting that the fight could end with a spectacular head kick knockout.

“Stillknocks” is set to defend his championship for the first time in a grudge match against Adesanya in the headline bout of the upcoming pay-per-view event, scheduled for this weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

The two fighters were initially expected to square off last September following their dramatic face-off at UFC 290 in July 2023, yet destiny had other plans when an untimely injury derailed Du Plessis. During that time, “The Last Stylebender” faced a surprising setback, losing the middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293.

In the wake of his defeat, Adesanya announced that he would be taking a hiatus to prioritize his mental well-being and recalibrate his career. Meanwhile, the South African power puncher made a triumphant return, narrowly defeating Strickland by a split decision to seize the 185-pound title at UFC 297.

Despite returning from a loss and a year-long break, Adesanya still stands as the odds-on favorite against Du Plessis. The Nigerian-born Kiwi is hailed as one of the most formidable middleweight champions in UFC history, with five successful title defenses under his belt. His reign of dominance is credited to his intricate fighting style, a puzzle that many opponents struggle to solve, combined with his remarkable ability to land potent strikes while maintaining flawless control of range.

A virtuoso of unconventional striking techniques himself, Page has a deep understanding of just how lethal ‘The Last Stylebender’ can be on his feet against Du Plessis…

Page Expects ‘Old-School’ Adesanya To Shine Against Du Plessis

During a recent UFC 305 prediction video on his YouTube channel, “Venom” offered his thoughts on the looming clash between Du Plessis and Adesanya. Page threw his support behind the former middleweight champion, suggesting that Adesanya’s time away from the octagon has likely reignited his hunger and determination.

“The middleweight division is just crazy right now with its constant handovers when it comes to the belt, but I do think the king is about to return to his throne,” Page said. “There’s a different level of focus right now when it comes to Izzy after he had a little back and forth with [Alex] Pereira, got his one back. That was unbelievable because he put so much mental strength into that. He kind of just wasn’t in the same mindset after that; he kind of relaxed a bit too much and then obviously lost the belt. Now he’s back after giving himself some time to just, I guess, get that motivation again.”

The Englishman further added that he anticipates a striking clinic from Izzy, one that will expertly neutralize the grappling and takedown threats posed by “Stillknocks”.

“I do think we’re going to see the old school Izzy. Dricus is going to want to grab him and take him down to the floor. I think he’s [Adesanya] going to struggle initially to try and find the timing, but then when he starts getting plugged, it’s going to be a bit of a desperate takedown, which he may get, but I see Izzy standing straight back up on him and then just getting to work on his hands until I think he just gets demoralized. My boy is going to find a way to land. I could even see a head kick coming or a big punch that’s going to rock him and take him out of the fight.”

Adesanya stands on the brink of history. If he secures a victory on August 17, he will join the exclusive ranks of the legendary Randy Couture by claiming an undisputed UFC title for the third time in a division. This monumental achievement would firmly establish his place among the greatest icons in MMA history.

Continue Reading Michael ‘Venom’ Page Predicts Head Kick KO In UFC 305 Main Event: ‘The King Is About To Return To The Throne!’ at MMA News.

Darren Till’s Detailed Advice To Israel Adesanya On How To Fight Dricus Du Plessis: ‘You’re A High Level Striker So You Know What Am On About…’

Former UFC middleweight contender Darren Till and Israel Adesanya have had an interesting relationship with one another during their careers. When Till made the decision to move up to middleweight, he was immediately on the radar of the champion at the time. As a former title challenger at 170-pounds, his win over Kelvin Gastelum immediately […]

Continue Reading Darren Till’s Detailed Advice To Israel Adesanya On How To Fight Dricus Du Plessis: ‘You’re A High Level Striker So You Know What Am On About…’ at MMA News.

Former UFC middleweight contender Darren Till and Israel Adesanya have had an interesting relationship with one another during their careers.

When Till made the decision to move up to middleweight, he was immediately on the radar of the champion at the time.

As a former title challenger at 170-pounds, his win over Kelvin Gastelum immediately put him in the mix and with both Till and Adesanya being specialist strikers, the match-up sold itself.

The fight never did materialize after “The Gorilla” suffered three consecutive losses before parting ways with the promotion.

His final outing inside the Octagon came at UFC 282 where he faced the man that would go on to become champion and defend the title against Adesanya this weekend at UFC 305.

Darren Till Gives Breakdown & Advice For Israel Adesanya On How To Beat Dricus Du Plessis

In a post on X, Till gave Adesanya some advice based on what he learned in his fight with Dricus Du Plessis in December of 2022.

The scouse fighter was submitted in the third and despite taking a beating in the opening round, he was able to have some success in the striking ranges against “Stillknocks” in the second.

His accurate combinations were much too fast for Du Plessis at the time and this is where he believes that Adesanya may be able to capitalize.

Till passed some knowledge on to “The Last Stylebender” about drawing reactions from the champion as well as standing his ground instead of fighting off of the back foot.

“Got some advice for Izzy on how to fight DDP on Saturday. Lots of feints… he reacts to them so much and throws from the hills. Then you can step back. Have a look and either for for the punch combo or knee maybe a kick. Ur a high level striker so u know what am on about. Everyone on here won’t have a clue but they will try to understand it. Only the elite strikers get it.

“As he rushes in also do what you did against rob and I did the same. Urs knocked rob out as where as mine didn’t but still same same. DDP will rush in. Instead of standing back or going back like most of these silly stupid strikers do. Stand ur ground and just hit him with either again the punch combo or even a knee up the middle. I personally love the elbow as they are lunging in but it’s whatever suits at that time and whatever you have practiced. Hope this advice goes well with you IZZY.”

Read also: Mateusz Gamrot Promises More Entertainment In UFC 305 Return Against Dan Hooker: ‘I Know How Is Politics In The UFC…’ 

Continue Reading Darren Till’s Detailed Advice To Israel Adesanya On How To Fight Dricus Du Plessis: ‘You’re A High Level Striker So You Know What Am On About…’ at MMA News.

Dricus Du Plessis To Israel Adesanya Ahead Of UFC 305: ‘Pull Out Of The Fight!’

Despite the previous tensions between Dricus Du Plessis and his first title challenger, Israel Adesanya, the champion has shown his opponent some respect ahead of August 17. “Stillknocks” does have a lot of appreciation for what the former champion has been able to accomplish in his career. For all of the plaudits that “The Last […]

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis To Israel Adesanya Ahead Of UFC 305: ‘Pull Out Of The Fight!’ at MMA News.

Despite the previous tensions between Dricus Du Plessis and his first title challenger, Israel Adesanya, the champion has shown his opponent some respect ahead of August 17.

“Stillknocks” does have a lot of appreciation for what the former champion has been able to accomplish in his career.

For all of the plaudits that “The Last Stylebender” has rightfully earned during his six-year run with the UFC, Du Plessis questions whether he can continue fighting at this level.

The champ believes that Adesanya’s time at the top may have run it’s course and has theorized whether he still has that same hunger inside of him at this stage.

Dricus Du Plessis Says He Would Try To Pull Out Of The Fight If He Was In Israel Adesanya’s Shoes

In a recent interview with New York Post Sports, Du Plessis was asked what he would do if he was in his opponent’s shoes if, like he says, Adesanya doesn’t have enough left in the tank to become middleweight champion again.

His response was a joke about avoiding the fight altogether at this stage, but he went on to explain more about what he sees as the key difference between them.

With him being just around the corner from his first title defense as Adesanya looks to become a three-time middleweight champion, he believes that the two men are just at very different points in their careers heading into UFC 305 in Perth.

“Well if I was in his shoes right now, I would find a way to pull out of this fight to be honest because I’m coming. I’m feeling great, I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt and that’s the banter in me, getting ready for that but in all honesty, to go and say he doesn’t have the fire, I think the fire might be there. But, it’s just too small. My fire is just shadowing his fire, maybe that’s why I don’t see the fire in him because of the fire in me.”

Read also: PHOTOS: Dricus Du Plessis & Israel Adesanya’s Custom Shorts For UFC 305

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis To Israel Adesanya Ahead Of UFC 305: ‘Pull Out Of The Fight!’ at MMA News.

Dan Hooker Promises ‘Most Exciting Fight Gamrot’s Ever Been In’ At UFC 305 

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker sees no way criticism of Mateusz Gamrot being in ‘boring’ fights can continue once he’s added to the equation this weekend. Hooker spent plenty of time campaigning for a spot on the upcoming UFC 305 pay-per-view card, which takes place close to home for the New Zealander at the RAC Arena […]

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Promises ‘Most Exciting Fight Gamrot’s Ever Been In’ At UFC 305  at MMA News.

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker sees no way criticism of Mateusz Gamrot being in ‘boring’ fights can continue once he’s added to the equation this weekend.

Hooker spent plenty of time campaigning for a spot on the upcoming UFC 305 pay-per-view card, which takes place close to home for the New Zealander at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

His pleas were finally answered, and the matchup that’s put him at the event comes with it a major opportunity for “The Hangman” to climb the 155-pound ladder back toward title contention.

On August 17, Hooker will make the walk to share the cage with the man ranked six places above him, #5 contender Mateusz Gamrot.

While riding a three-right winning run and sitting inside the top five at lightweight, Gamrot remains out of the championship equation for the time being. Some have concluded that’s down to a less than fan-friendly fight style, with his recent wins over Jalin Turner and Rafael dos Anjos in particular receiving backlash.

Given his penchant for firefights and entertainment, though, Hooker expects to serve as the remedy for Gamrot’s control-heavy approach…

Hooker: Exciting UFC 305 Fight ‘Not Gonna Be Because Of’ Gamrot

During an interview with The AllStar, Hooker looked ahead to his home continent assignment and assessed the man across from whom he’ll stand inside the Octagon on Saturday night (Sunday morning local time).

Hooker has seemingly noted the views some in the community have of Gamrot and his usual route to victory. With him boasting the total opposite, “The Hangman” expects “Gamer” to be in for a totally new type of showdown come fight night.

“This is going to be the most exciting fight Gamrot’s ever been in. Let me just say that,” Hooker said. “That’s not gonna be because of him. That’s gonna be because they locked him in a cage with me.”

Gamrot has differed from those comments in terms of who will be responsible for the fireworks this weekend.

The Polish contender recently acknowledged the “politics” that go into deciding who fights for UFC gold, and so he’s intent on delivering a thrilling finish to get the better of Hooker and stake his claim for a first shot at title glory at UFC 305.

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Promises ‘Most Exciting Fight Gamrot’s Ever Been In’ At UFC 305  at MMA News.