Dan Hooker openly criticized the UFC’s policies regarding fighter pay and management during a recent interview with Submission Radio. The seasoned fighter, who has competed with the promotion since 2014, expressed frustration over denied access to tickets for UFC 317 and raised concerns about the compensation fighters receive for five-round bouts, arguing that it is insufficient.
Hooker also accused the UFC’s matchmakers of deliberately avoiding establishing a clear No. 1 contender in divisions, a tactic he believes is used to maintain negotiating leverage by pitting well-known fighters against each other rather than rewarding merit.
Hooker’s Career and Current Status Amid His UFC Critique
Regarded as one of the UFC’s most dedicated competitors, Hooker has faced top-ranked opponents and earned multiple post-fight bonuses throughout his career. Currently ranked No. 6, he is recovering from hand surgery and has been sidelined temporarily. Despite his lengthy service and willingness to compete at a high level, Hooker voices a feeling of being undervalued by his employer.
Mixed Reactions from Fans to Hooker’s Complaints
The MMA Fighting community reacted with divided opinions following Hooker’s comments. While some fans applauded his courage in speaking out against the UFC’s business practices, others questioned the timing and motivations behind his public statements, revealing a split among supporters in the MMA world.
Hooker’s View on Respect and Corporate Power in the UFC
Hooker lamented the lack of respect he feels from the company despite the sacrifices he has made. He emphasized the physical and emotional toll fighters endure in delivering shows for the UFC, underscoring his disappointment with the promotion’s attitude toward its athletes.
“you think there would be a bit more respect there for guys who literally give their life. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears I’ve poured into putting shows on for that company, I thought there would have been a bit more respect there. But there’s not, which is cool”
—Dan Hooker
‘I’m not going to break my back for a company that doesn’t respect me’
—Dan Hooker
“The UFC is smart as f*ck,”
—Dan Hooker
“You work in the office, brother, I work in the—you think there would be a bit more respect there for guys who literally give their life. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears I’ve poured into putting shows on for that company, I thought there would have been a bit more respect there. But there’s not,
—Dan Hooker
They never paint themselves into a situation where there’s a clear No. 1 contender
—Dan Hooker
The Broader Struggle Between Fighters and Corporate Negotiation Power
Hooker’s remarks echo a larger issue within professional sports and industries where individuals face asymmetrical negotiating power against large corporations. Whether comparing fighters to doctors negotiating with insurance companies or independent contractors dealing with major brands, the imbalance in leverage is evident and challenging to overcome.
The decline of union representation over the decades reflects this shift, as fewer workers have collective bargaining power today compared to the past. This context sheds light on the difficulties fighters encounter when seeking better pay and conditions in organizations like the UFC.
Implications for UFC and Fighter Relations Moving Forward
Hooker’s candid comments highlight ongoing tensions between fighters and the UFC’s management over remuneration and respect. As public scrutiny increases and more athletes speak out, the promotion may face mounting pressure to reconsider its approach to fighter compensation and negotiation strategies. How the UFC addresses these concerns could significantly affect its relationship with competitors and the overall perception of the sport.