UFC

Dan Hooker open to Justin Gaethje fight as he plans next steps

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Justin Gaethje doesn’t have a rival for his next fight but Dan Hooker seems keen to take on the American

New Zealand UFC star Dan Hooker was open to a fight against Justin Gaethje as he keeps an eye out for his next opponent.

Hooker was on a three-fight win streak but lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC: Poirier vs Hooker. This was a bit of a blow to the 30-year-old as he seemed set for a rise up the rankings and a possible title shot in the future too.

Dustin Poirier celebrates after his victory over Dan Hooker of New Zealand in their lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 27, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

However, Poirier showed off his championship calibre and got the better of Hooker. The loss kept Hooker at #5 in the Lightweight rankings but he is looking a little higher.

Ali Abdelaziz claimed that Justin Gaethje would be the ones ranked #2 to #4. Gaethje is still ranked #1 in the division despite getting dominated by the champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254.

However, Hooker put up his name and wanted to challenge Gaethje, respectfully:

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Abdelaziz explained why he didn’t put Hooker’s name in his tweet and the Egyptian also had a ton of respect for the Kiwi:

Hooker vs Gaethje still needs some time

Gaethje might have lost to Khabib but no one has gotten the better of the Russian. The American isn’t set for a fight anytime soon and it will be interesting to see who he takes on.

However, a Hooker vs Gaethje fight isn’t possible now, at least based on the rankings. Poirier and Conor McGregor are ranked above the Kiwi star and will meet next year.

Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia celebrates his victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on October 25, 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

The other name above Hooker is Tony Ferguson and that could have been an amazing fight. However, Ferguson is busy with #6 ranked Charles Oliveira for UFC 256. Hooker would have to play the waiting game for now, and watch how the others ranked around him do in the division.

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Saiyed Adeem Karim

Ditching a corporate job to follow a dream isn't easy, but when football comes calling, who can say no? Been following the beautiful game since 1998. Liverpool addict, F1 fanatic!