Dan “The Hangman” Hooker is among the most popular UFC fighters, with his career comeback being a standout story. Following a challenging few years, the beloved Kiwi has reclaimed his place among the top contenders in the lightweight division. He recently admitted that one mistake cost him a title shot, as he “sold it” for financial gain.
Dan Hooker Reflects on Career Choices and the Pursuit of New Goals in 2025
From 2018 to 2021, Dan Hooker faced top fighters like Burns, Felder, Barboza, Poirier, and Makhachev.
However, it’s his final fight in 2021 that still stings for the Kiwi, who chose to face the future champion in Abu Dhabi, even though he was on the shortlist for the next title shot.
“At that stage of my career, I just wanted money,”
Hooker confessed this in an interview with David Adesanya, admitting that the promotion “capitalised” on his desire for a bigger paycheck, ultimately costing him his shot at the title.
“They took advantage of that, and I sold my title shot. At the end of the day, that’s what it came down to. I just wanted money, then I got it and thought, ‘This isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I want a world title.’ But you can’t trade money for a world title.”
With over 10 years in the UFC, Hooker reflected on how a fighter’s mindset evolves as their career progresses, stressing the importance of adapting to avoid losing opportunities like he did.
With over 10 years in the UFC, Hooker reflected on how a fighter’s mindset evolves as their career progresses, stressing the importance of adapting to avoid losing opportunities like he did.
“It’s all about constantly setting new goals. Early on, you say, ‘I want to be a UFC fighter,’ and then once you’re there, you think, ‘Well, I want to be a ranked UFC fighter.’ After that, you aim higher.”
“You say, ‘I want to be in the main event,’ and after you get there, you realize, ‘This isn’t enough either, I want something else.’ Once you reach a goal, you always need another one.”
Hooker then smiled wryly as he added;
“It’s chasing the goal that’s the fun part.”
So what kind of ‘fun’ does Dan Hooker have lined up for 2025?
Dan Hooker Eyes Big Fights Ahead, Teases Potential Showdown with Conor McGregor
After defeating Mateusz Gamrot in August and climbing to No. 6, Dan Hooker’s next fight must be significant.
“Everyone in the Top Five ahead of me is coming off a loss, and when you’re on a win streak, opportunities open up… The UFC has only mentioned names above me, so it would be foolish to look backward at this point,” Hooker said.
Dan Hooker hinted that his next fight could be for some kind of title, whether it’s the BMF belt or an undisputed championship. He also recently mentioned that he’s the “frontrunner” to face Conor McGregor in his return fight. Speaking with The New Zealand Herald, Hooker acknowledged that McGregor is aware of his current situation and said;
“Right now, I’d probably be the frontrunner. It doesn’t make sense for him to fight Michael Chandler—Chandler’s coming off a string of losses. He’s still dangerous, but he’s not the right matchup for Conor at this moment, especially with everything Conor’s dealing with behind the scenes.”
Dan Hooker also pointed out that McGregor’s potential fight with Chandler would involve public drama saying;
“It would mean airing out all your dirty laundry throughout the entire camp, which probably isn’t ideal.”
The fighters share mutual friends, including Oscar Willis, and Hooker emphasized that he avoids airing anyone’s personal matters.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
