Dan Hooker’s Focus on Personal Interests
Dan Hooker has consistently stepped up for the UFC, but he’s now prioritizing his own needs.
UFC 317 and Ticket Troubles
As the UFC prepares to return to Perth on September 28, Hooker considered fighting at the event, despite still recovering from hand surgery in March. However, he changed his plans during the week of UFC 317 in June after his tickets to support teammate Kai Kara-France were revoked for his match against flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
Feeling Disrespected
This situation left Hooker feeling frustrated. He stated, “They tried to get me out of bed at 7:30 AM Eastern time, which is 3 AM New Zealand time. I wasn’t going to get up at that hour. They canceled my tickets, so I questioned why I would rush back to fight injured for a promotion that disrespects me.”
Future Plans and Not Fighting on UFC’s Terms
While Hooker did not specify the reason for the ticket cancellation, he made it clear he isn’t interested in a quick comeback for the UFC. Instead, he’s now looking at a pay-per-view event in New York that usually happens in November.
Desired Opponent and Compensation Concerns
For his next fight, Hooker aims to face top contender Arman Tsarukyan, recognizing that the match could determine the No. 1 contender for the lightweight title. However, he’s not interested in championship rounds unless the pay is significantly higher.
Logical Pay Structure
Hooker pointed out, “If I’m getting paid a lump sum for 15 minutes of fighting, it doesn’t make sense to get a fraction of that for another 10 minutes. If they want me to work longer, they need to pay me accordingly.”
Acknowledging UFC’s Business Savvy
Despite his grievances, Hooker acknowledged the UFC’s business strategies, noting how they avoid situations where only one clear contender exists. He explained, “The UFC is smart. They create scenarios where multiple fighters can justify a title shot, maximizing their negotiation leverage.”
