Dan Hooker has withdrawn from his battle with Justin Gaethje, one of the anticipated fights of the 12 months.
The fan favourite strikers have been scheduled to face off within the five-round co-main occasion of UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas, however Hooker introduced Tuesday, by way of his daughter’s YouTube channel, that he’s out of the light-weight bout as a consequence of a hand harm. MMA reporter Benny P initially tweeted the information.
“Dad had a battle, or was speculated to have a battle, however I’ve busted my paw,” Hooker mentioned.
It is a bitter tablet to swallow for battle followers, who have been set to look at two of MMA’s most enjoyable fighters sq. off. Gaethje has gained a Struggle of the Evening bonus eight occasions in his UFC profession, whereas Hooker has been a part of three such bouts.
Rafael Fiziev was fast to volunteer his providers to interchange Hooker, although the UFC has but to make an official announcement as as to if Gaethje will keep on UFC 313 or if his bout with Hooker will probably be re-booked for one more date.
“Let’s run it again,” Fiziev wrote on Twitter, tagging Gaethje’s account.
Gaethje and Fiziev fought in a three-round thriller at UFC 286 in March 2023, with Gaethje incomes a majority choice win.
Hooker was trying to capitalize on a resurgent three-fight win streak, with break up nods over Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner in his previous two outings. Gaethje most not too long ago fought at UFC 300 this previous April, the place he misplaced by last-second knockout to Max Holloway within the 2024 Fight of the Year.
UFC 313 takes place at T-Cellular Enviornment in Las Vegas on March 8. In the principle occasion, Alex Pereira defends his gentle heavyweight title in opposition to Magomed Ankalaev.
