‘UFC wants to see someone die’

Dan Hooker guarantees maximum violence in his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) and Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) will throw down in a five-round lightweight co-main event (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Gaethje has 13 post-fight UFC bonuses to his name, whereas Hooker has engaged in some grueling battles against the likes of Dustin Poirier and Jalin Turner. That’s why, when the UFC offered him Gaethje in a five-round battle, “The Hangman” knew exactly what they’re looking for.

“I just think the UFC wants to see someone die,” Hooker said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “I think they just want to finish it. They want this fight for the fans, as well. They want to see someone go down. They want to see blood. They want to see Rounds 4 and 5.

“I’m happy to oblige for money. If I was back in the kitchen factory, and I stayed an extra couple of hours, I’d expect another couple of extra bucks in my back pocket, brother. I’m not here for fun. I’m not here because I like you guys. It’s prizefighting, brother.”

Hooker re-entered the upper echelon of the lightweight division after three straight wins over Claudio Puelles, Turner, and most recently a Fight of the Night over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in August.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.