Dan Hooker knows what’s in store for him at UFC 313.
Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) takes on Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in a five-round lightweight co-main event (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“The Hangman” has been involved in his fair share of bloody wars against the likes of Paul Felder, Dustin Poirier and recently Jalin Turner. So going up against 13-time UFC post-fight bonus winner Gaethje, Hooker is bracing for another barnburner – and he doesn’t expect to walk out in one piece.
“I know full well, 100 percent that no matter whether his arm gets raised, my arm gets raised, I’m going straight on a stretcher,” Hooker told ESPN Australia. “Straight into the back of an ambulance, and I’m going to the hospital.
“I’ve come to terms with that’s how this night is going to end, baby. I’ve come to terms with that, brother. I’ve embraced that. So, if someone is not ready to go to the lengths that I’m willing to go to, then they’re going to have a hard night.”
Hooker shared a memorable photo with Felder in the hospital after the pair slugged it out for five rounds in a Fight Night main event in February 2020. Hooker edged Felder out by split decision. Four months later, Hooker threw down with Poirier in one of the greatest back-and-forth battles in lightweight history. After winning the first two rounds, Hooker wound up losing a unanimous decision.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.
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