Summary
Hooker focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
One of the most well-known names in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and coming off a tough loss to Arman Tsarukyan , Dan Hooker has motivations beyond just winning the belt at this point in his career. In fact, it could be said that it's the opposite. On a collision course with Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event of UFC 325, the New Zealander aims to end the Frenchman's rise.
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According to Hooker, in an interview with Sporting News Australia, the desire to face prospects and destroy their title aspirations is one of the main motivations of his career at the moment.
“That’s what I want, these hungry guys who want to be champions, and I just go in there and destroy everything they’re doing. I ruin years of their lives and hurt them. I simply crush their hopes and dreams. That’s my plan,” he stated.
Dan Hooker says he wants to destroy anyone hungry enough to be champion and shatter their dreams
“That's what I want, these hungry guys that want to be champion, and I just go out there and ruin everything he's doing. Damage years of his life and put some hurt on him. Just… pic.twitter.com/mykG50Vj4d
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 10, 2025
Dan Hooker has experienced highs and lows in the UFC.
Hooker in intense training. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 35 years old and signed with the UFC since 2014, Dan Hooker has victories against Gilbert Burns , Jim Miller , and Mateusz Gamrot . Furthermore, he has also had the opportunity to share the octagon with names of the caliber of Islam Makhachev , Edson Barboza , and Michael Chandler . In total, he has a record of 14 wins and nine losses in the world's largest MMA organization.
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