Dan Hooker might not be in the UFC title picture, but he’s willing to throw a wrench in every top contender’s plans.
Hooker (24-13 MMA, 14-9 UFC) will look to rebound from his quick submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 265 last month when he takes on Benoit Saint Denis (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) at UFC 325 on Jan. 31 from Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney (Paramount+).
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Hooker initially called out Renato Moicano, claiming that the matchup made sense because they both “suck.” However, “The Hangman” ended up drawing rising contender Saint Denis, who’s looking to climb to the upper echelon of the division.
“That’s what I want, these hungry guys that want to be the champ, and I just go out there and ruin everything he’s doing,” Hooker told Sporting News Australia of Saint Denis. “Damage, shave some years of his life and put some hurt on him. Just ruin his hopes and dreams. That’s my plan.”
With Hooker sidelined for more than a year prior to the Tsarukyan loss, he’s looking to make up for lost time with this quick turnaround.
“I’m fit and healthy coming off the last one,” Hooker said. “I got back to the gym sparring on Monday and feeling good. The fitness is there obviously coming off the back of a five-round training camp. Two back-to-back hand surgeries obviously a long time, I was itching to get back in there. A year-and-a-half layoff, and then to come back against the No. 1 contender, everyone’s ducked over and dodging.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 325: Dan Hooker aims to ruin Benoit Saint Denis’ hopes and dreams
