UFC lightweight Dan Hooker, known as “Hangman,” has remained deeply connected to fighting despite being sidelined since August 2024 due to a hand injury that canceled his UFC 313 bout with Justin Gaethje. Recently, Hooker launched a backyard fight tournament featuring 1-minute rounds, no weight limits, and a $50,000 prize, quickly generating widespread attention online.
The former UFC middleweight title challenger has shared videos of his unique backyard fights on social media, where the fast-paced, intense clips have gone viral. These 1-minute matches have drawn fans and even praise from fellow UFC fighter Derek Brunson, highlighting Hooker’s continued passion and resourcefulness in staying close to the sport.
Mixed Reactions from Neighbors and Community Regarding the Backyard Battles
Hooker discussed his neighbors‘ responses during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, revealing that he hadn’t directly informed them beforehand but noticed their curiosity and involvement. He said,
“I didn’t really tell [my neighbors], they just kind of figured it out. A few of them were peaking their head over the fence. One of my neighbors helped me trim my hedges to get it ready, to get the arena ready.”
—Dan Hooker
He also shared that some neighbors appreciated the atmosphere, describing their attendance as
“one of the most respectful crowds he’s come across.”
Despite occasional complaints, the tournament’s chaotic yet organized nature has found supporters, including Derek Brunson, who views Hooker’s event as a wild but controlled spectacle.
Social Media Challenges Affect Hooker’s Fight Sponsors
Despite the viral success, Hooker’s sponsors have encountered difficulties on social media platforms. Videos of his backyard fights uploaded on Instagram tagged The Doctor Social, one of the event’s sponsors, but the account has since become unavailable, limiting promotional efforts. Hooker reportedly reached out directly to Mark Zuckerberg on Instagram, seeking a resolution to the issue.
The fighter remains undeterred by the backlash and attempts to shut down his backyard tournaments. On The Ariel Helwani Show, he responded to critics with determination:
“Deter me? I feel like you’re now — you’ve challenged me now. I was going to leave it. There’s people trying to stop me? Now I have to do it. Now I’m unbound and forced to pursue it.”
—Dan Hooker
Hooker further questioned the legality of his fights, asserting their legitimacy and safety under experienced supervision:
“When did having a punch-out with your mates become illegal? Since when was that a crime? And it’s being run by some of the most experienced combat sports people in the country. Thousands of fights, medically trained. If that’s illegal, then they’ve got better things to do.”
—Dan Hooker
The Significance and Outlook of Hooker’s Backyard Fighting Movement
Though the backyard 1-minute fight tournament has faced resistance and social media obstacles, it continues to thrive under Hooker’s promotion. The event not only demonstrates Hooker’s relentless commitment to fighting but also highlights a grassroots interest in more informal, intense combat competitions. As he posts more fight clips, the tournament’s profile grows, potentially inspiring similar underground or community-based fight events.
Hooker’s determination to push forward despite challenges signals that this backyard tournament may influence alternative fight formats and promotions beyond traditional arenas, especially for fighters sidelined from professional circuits due to injury or other circumstances. The continued viral buzz and support from the fight community suggest this unconventional approach will remain an intriguing and evolving story.