Dan Hooker recently revealed his frustration with the UFC after they canceled his tickets to a pay-per-view event, despite his loyalty and dedication to the organization. This incident led him to reject an offer to compete at the upcoming UFC Perth event, where he had hoped to fight.
Hooker traveled to Las Vegas last month to support his City Kickboxing teammate Kai Kara-France during his title challenge against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 317. However, after missing some promotional duties, including a morning Q&A with a YouTuber, the UFC revoked his tickets to the fight. Instead of attending the event, Hooker spent the night at rapper Moneybagg Yo’s concert in Drai’s Nightclub, Las Vegas.
Hooker Reflects on the Perth Fight Offer and His Commitment to the Fans
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Hooker explained his willingness to compete at UFC Perth on September 28 at RAC Arena, even though his hand injury made the timeline tight. He was prepared to push through for his supporters but felt disrespected by how the UFC handled the situation.
“Obviously, it would have been cool to fight in Perth and to like headline with Arman [Tsarukyan]…It would have been a bit soon, would have been a bit of a rush for the hand to be good and ready by then but I still was going to do it just because I wanted to do it for the fans. I would have rushed back and I would have fought early.”
Hooker further shared his disappointment with the UFC’s treatment, highlighting how missing the morning event led to his tickets being pulled. His frustration stemmed from feeling sidelined despite his readiness to fight, even injured.
“Then I went over to watch Kai [Kara-France] fight and then bro they tried to get me off of bed at 7:30 in the morning…And then because I didn’t start, I slept in and I didn’t go to the UFC thing, they cancelled my tickets to the Kai’s fight…I would have fought, I would have fought injured. But then someone at a desk is crossing my name off a list…you obviously wanted me to fight in Perth, but we can fight on my terms.”
Hooker’s Future Plans Center on a Bout with Former UFC Lightweight Champion
Earlier this year, Hooker aimed to build a four-fight winning streak with a matchup against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313. However, a hand injury suffered in training forced him to withdraw, allowing Rafael Fiziev to step in on short notice. Now, Hooker is eyeing a return against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who recently experienced a shocking first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317.
“Someone wake up Charlie Olives and tell him we fighting in November.”
Hooker’s clear message signals his eagerness to regain momentum and return to the octagon on his own conditions, underlining his growing impatience with the UFC’s management.
Implications of Hooker’s Dispute With UFC and Next Steps
Dan Hooker’s public criticism of the UFC over the cancelled tickets and his refusal to fight under their current terms highlight ongoing tensions between fighters and the promotion over communication and respect. His situation may influence how fighters negotiate their appearances and promotional commitments going forward. Fans will be watching closely to see if Hooker secures a November fight as planned or if these disputes affect his return timing.