After defeating Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305, Dan Hooker expressed his eagerness to face any opponent on the path to the UFC lightweight title, welcoming the toughest challenge possible. A highly anticipated fight with Justin Gaethje was scheduled for UFC 313, but a broken hand sustained in training forced Hooker to undergo surgery and postpone the bout. Now fully recovered, Hooker is prepared to return to the Octagon and has shifted his focus toward his next opponent in the division.

Hooker Targets Charles Oliveira Before Shifting Attention to Arman Tsarukyan

Dan Hooker has long pursued a fight against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. He initially stepped in to replace Oliveira against Michael Chandler at UFC 257, but UFC plans appear to have changed. Most recently, Hooker called out Oliveira on social media, challenging him for a fight later this year. However, in a recent interview on the ‘Submission Radio’ show, Hooker revealed that the UFC is more interested in pairing Oliveira with Max Holloway and scheduling a title fight for Justin Gaethje. Consequently, Hooker redirected his focus toward one of his divisional rivals, Arman Tsarukyan.

Hooker and Tsarukyan’s Feud Escalates Amid UFC Lightweight Contention

The rivalry between Dan Hooker and Arman Tsarukyan has been simmering for some time, with Hooker previously mocking Tsarukyan for withdrawing from their scheduled fight at UFC 311, branding him as a “big mouth” with “glass hands.” Despite these insults, Hooker acknowledges Tsarukyan’s skill level and believes a matchup between them makes sense in the current lightweight landscape. Speaking on ‘Submission Radio,’ Hooker said,

“Holloway ain’t gonna fight Arman. No one wants to see that. Holloway will probably fight Oliveira. Gaethje will fight for the title, and then that leaves with my man Arman. That’s the fight I want. That’s the fight that makes sense. They’ve told him one more. He’s turned down Gamrot, who’s ranked one before me. Like, let’s be honest, like the guy’s a walking bag of sand, but he is a very good fighter.”

Hooker insists his own fight with Oliveira is unlikely given the UFC’s current matchmaking plans. Continuing, he added,

“I think they’re going to do Holloway Oliveira. They are going to do Gaethje for the title. That leaves Arman in the mix. He’s stuck fighting me, Bubba. He’s got to fight me to get back in the mix and to get a title shot.”

Open Confrontation: Hooker Voices Strong Dislike for Tsarukyan

Following his UFC 305 victory, Hooker made no effort to conceal his animosity when specifically addressing Arman Tsarukyan. During an interview with The MacLife, Hooker revealed his frustrations and the complex feelings involved in their rivalry, explaining,

“He’s a p—. He’s been talking s— for years. He’s just a p—. There’s nothing more to it. It’s like the duality of fighting. There’s no one more I hate in the world than these other guys in the division, but there’s no one else I respect more in the world than the other guys. There’s no one more similar to me, but we’re all vying for the same thing.”

Hooker’s Timeline: Eyeing Another Fight Before His New Child Arrives

With a baby expected in February 2026, Dan Hooker hopes to remain active in the cage before stepping into fatherhood. He mentioned his desire to fight once more by the end of the current year but is sensitive to his family’s timeline, saying,

“I’d like to get one more in this year. I’ve got another baby on the way, due in February. So I’d like to knock one out before then. There’s another card [rumored for Sydney in February], but it’s a couple days before my wife’s due, so you’re cutting it a bit fine. I’m not going to stress the missus out like that. She deals with enough. She’s married to me, for f—’s sake. So if we can knock another one out this year, that will be incredible, and then fight for the title next year.”

What Lies Ahead for Dan Hooker’s UFC Lightweight Journey?

Dan Hooker’s recent callouts have intensified speculation about his next opponent and the direction of his lightweight title bid. While the UFC appears poised to set up title eliminators involving Charles Oliveira and other top contenders like Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje, the possibility of a long-anticipated grudge match with Arman Tsarukyan remains a focal point of fan interest. Whether the promotion will prioritize the explosive rivalry between Hooker and Tsarukyan or adhere to a different matchmaking route will be a defining factor for Hooker’s campaign toward the lightweight championship.

The Kiwi’s sharp challenge has stirred conversation across the MMA community, leaving supporters eager to see if he can put an end to tensions with Tsarukyan inside the Octagon, or if this rivalry will continue to fuel both fighters in their pursuit of UFC lightweight supremacy.