Dan Hooker has withdrawn from his battle with Justin Gaethje, one of the vital anticipated fights of the 12 months.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, through his daughter’s YouTube channel, that he’s out of the light-weight bout as a consequence of a hand damage. MMA reporter Benny P initially tweeted the information.
“Dad had a battle, or was presupposed to have a battle, however I’ve busted my paw,” Hooker stated.
This can be a bitter capsule to swallow for battle followers, who have been set to look at two of MMA’s most fun fighters sq. off. Gaethje has gained a Combat of the Night time bonus eight instances in his UFC profession, whereas Hooker has been a part of three such bouts.
Rafael Fiziev was fast to volunteer his providers to switch 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 might be re-booked for an additional 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 determination win.
Hooker was trying to capitalize on a resurgent three-fight win streak, with cut up nods over Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner in his previous two outings. Gaethje most just lately fought at UFC 300 this previous April, the place he misplaced by last-second knockout to Max Holloway within the 2024 Combat of the 12 months.
UFC 313 takes place at T-Cellular Area in Las Vegas on March 8. In the principle occasion, Alex Pereira defends his mild heavyweight title in opposition to Magomed Ankalaev.
