Perennial lightweight contender, Dan Hooker has claimed he “sold” his title shot at 155lbs in search of more money following a run of massive fights in the last five years, culminating in a dominant submission loss to current titleholder, Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi.
Hooker, the current number six ranked lightweight contender has been sidelined since August, most recently turning in a close decision win over Polish challenger, Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in Australia, extending his winning run to three straight fights.
Returning to the winner’s enclosure with a body kick knockout win over Peruvian grappler, Claudio Puelles following a brief featherweight excursion, Kiwi striking favorite, Dan Hooker would then best Jalin Turner in a decision success prior to his win over Gamrot last summer.