Win, lose, or draw, Dan Hooker is definite he’ll find yourself within the hospital after UFC 313.
Subsequent month, Hooker faces Justin Gaethje in a five-round battle within the co-main occasion of UFC 313 in Las Vegas. It’s an enormous alternative for Hooker, who’s on a three-fight win streak — that might set him up for a title shot ought to he win, and Hooker is prepared for the chance.
“I believe that’s why God put me on this Earth, to get into fist fights,” Hooker advised ESPN Australia. “If I’m lastly going to get to this battle and alter my tune, that is what I’ve been calling for the entire time. Dwell by the sword, die by the sword is simply the best way you need to strategy life. I’m going to go on the market, and it’s going to go one in all two methods. It doesn’t matter what occurs, I’m ready.”
Hooker is likely one of the extra thrilling fighters competing in MMA right now, with three Struggle of the Evening bonuses to his title in addition to three Efficiency bonuses. Gaethje, in the meantime, is presumably probably the most thrilling fighter in MMA historical past, with an incredible four Fight of the Year awards, eight Struggle of the Evening bonuses, and 5 Efficiency of the Evening bonuses in simply 13 UFC fights. Given their historical past, many count on this to be one of the crucial thrilling matchups of the yr, and Hooker agrees. In truth, he’s sure of it.
“I do know full effectively, 100%, this battle goes to finish — regardless of whether or not his hand will get raised, my arm will get raised — I’m going straight on a stretcher, straight into the again of an ambulance, and I’m going to the hospital,” Hooker mentioned. “I’ve accepted [that]. I’ve come to phrases with that’s how this night time goes to finish. I’ve come to phrases with that. I’ve embraced that. So if somebody will not be keen to go to the lengths I’m keen to go to, they’re going to have a nasty night time.”
However simply because he’s anticipating a hospital journey, doesn’t imply Hooker isn’t anticipating to win. Gaethje is coming off his ‘BMF’ battle with Max Holloway at UFC 300, the place he wound up on the flawed aspect of the Knockout of the Yr, and Hooker hopes to do one thing just like “The Spotlight” when the cage door closes subsequent month.
“If I get up on battle day, it doesn’t matter what’s occurring, if I look down and my left arm is hooked up to my physique, I’m assured, child,” Hooker mentioned. “I do know I can ship any man strolling the face of the planet to Mars. So I’m not nervous about it. “
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Journey.
Francis Ngannou’s persevering with adventures.
UFC Seattle analysis.
What a wierd timeline.
Fighter vs. Author. MMA Combating’s Damon Martin talks to Matt Brown in regards to the lingering fallout between Sean Strickland and coach Eric Nicksick, Francis Ngannou boxing, and the return of Henry Cejudo at UFC Seattle.
Belal claps again.
In the event you go up, I’ll watch, however fact be advised, you prolly not slamming him such as you did Leon, he’s a handful at 185, you gonna have to bop for five
— Jason Mayhem Miller (@mayhemmiller) February 18, 2025
Nonetheless the perfect fighter, nonetheless the most important dork.
Bo Nickal giving props.
Certain it’s.
Jogs my memory of that scene from Whole Recall.
Chael the politician.
-UPDATE-
On my FIRST DAY as
GOVERNOR of OREGON
I promise to promote PORTLAND again to…
the
PORTUGUESEThen
Let THEM attempt to repair it
After they fail
Purchase it BACK for
NICKELS on the DOLLARUse earnings for Cops, Firemen, Public Security
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) February 18, 2025
Austin Vanderford (12-2) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (12-5); UFC Seattle, Feb. 22.
Alexa Grasso (16-4-1) vs. Natalia Silva (18-5-1); UFC 315, Could 10.
Dan Hooker is 100% right: no matter occurs at UFC 313, each males are going to the hospital. Friggin’ banger of a matchup. Totally attainable Gaethje wins his FIFTH Struggle of the Yr award.
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