'I've embraced it'… Dan Hooker smiles as he predicts Justin Gaethje will hospitalize him at UFC 313
02/19/2025 06:02 AM
Dan Hooker understands just how dangerous his upcoming fight with Justin Gaethje will be.
‘The Highlight’ is one of the biggest punchers in the UFC, Edson Barboza found that out in 2019.
Dan Hooker stands in the way of Justin Gaethje getting a shot a lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
They’ll meet in a five-round UFC 313 co-main event that is expected to deliver violence on March 8.
Dan Hooker makes grim UFC 313 prediction
Hooker has shown an incredible ability to take shots during his incredible 11-year UFC run.
However, he fears that his durability could lead to a prolonged beating from Gaethje next month.
Even if he wins, ‘The Hangman’ expects to be immediately carted off to the hospital with serious injuries.
"I know full well, 100 percent, that no matter whether his arm gets raised, my arm gets raised, I'm going straight on a stretcher,” Hooker said with a smile during a recent interview with ESPN.
“Straight into the back of an ambulance and I'm going to the hospital. I've come to terms with that's how this night is gonna end baby. I've come to terms with that, brother. I'm embracing it.
“So, if somebody is not willing to go to the lengths that I'm willing to go through, they're gonna have a hard night."
Dan Hooker’s career revival
Hooker’s days as a top contender appeared to be over after he went 1-4 during a disastrous UFC run.
During that time, the 35-year-old was stopped inside the first round by Islam Makhachev, Arnold Allen, and Michael Chandler.
Remarkably, Hooker has got his career back on track by putting together an impressive three-fight win streak.
Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and Mateusz Gamrot have all recently fallen to defeats against the New Zealander.
Another win over Gaethje will put Hooker in the mix for a title shot when Makhachev returns later this year.
