UFC fighter Dan Hooker has officially withdrawn from his scheduled bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 due to a hand injury, leaving fans disappointed as this fight was one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Scheduled for March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the bout was set to co-headline the event alongside reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira defending his title against Magomed Ankalaev.
Hooker, himself known for his resilience and exciting fighting style, took to social media to explain his predicament. The injury occurred during sparring when Hooker stated, "Sparring last night, as I do, just letting some hooks go... I didn’t think too much of it, but they sent me off to get a CT scan... They told me my hand was fractured," as reported by Sky Sport NZ. This unfortunate turn of events not only derails Hooker’s momentum but also leaves Gaethje with uncertainty as the date draws near.
The lightweight division is buzzing with potential candidates eager to step up as replacements for Hooker. Rafael Fiziev was one of the first fighters to throw his hat in the ring, tweeting, "Let’s run it back," referring to their previous encounter at UFC 286, where he lost to Gaethje by majority decision. Fiziev, eager to re-establish himself after recovering from knee surgery, views this opportunity as potentially career-defining.
Mateusz Gamrot also expressed interest, commenting on social media, "Time to fix it and prove it!!" Gamrot, who came close to defeating Hooker himself, is currently ranked No. 8 and sees this as another chance to climb the ranks of the crowded lightweight division. Renowned for his adaptability, Renato Moicano chimed in with, "2 weeks is good! I have enough time for 2 or 3 sparring sessions! I will be ready if they call!" showing his willingness to take on Gaethje on such short notice.
Justin Gaethje has had his share of ups and downs recently; he was hoping to bounce back from his last fight against Max Holloway at UFC 300—a brutal knockout loss. Ranked No. 3, the former interim champion is undoubtedly eager to compete after the setback and would ideally prefer facing off against another high-caliber opponent rather than any last-minute replacement. The UFC has not yet commented on Hooker’s withdrawal or Gaethje's potential next steps, but it is apparent there is no shortage of talent ready to fill the void.
Hooker has been on quite the run leading up to this fight, aiming for his fourth consecutive victory against Gaethje, which could have positioned him closer to title contention. After defeating Gamrot at UFC 305, his momentum was undeniable and fans were convinced this fight could set the stage for something monumental. Losing this opportunity to prove himself against Gaethje, known for his fierce and explosive style, is undoubtedly disappointing for him and his followers.
It remains unclear whether the UFC will attempt to keep Gaethje on the card or look to reschedule his bout with Hooker. UFC 313 features exciting matchups, but Gaethje's fight was highly anticipated due to both fighters' exciting styles—they have collectively earned eleven Fight of the Night bonuses throughout their careers, showcasing their ability to deliver thrilling performances.
This situation raises interesting discussions within the lightweight division where competitive depth is evident. Gaethje, with his legacy as one of the most beloved fighters, has become synonymous with unforgettable matches. With several contenders already stepping forward, it’s clear the fight community is eager to see how this develops.
Fans will be watching closely as UFC matchmakers navigate this unpredictable scenario, weighing the potential of matchmaking high-stakes encounters quickly, with the UFC’s history of producing intriguing matchups at the last minute. With Gaethje still wanting to showcase his skills soon, the wait begins for both him and the fans to see how this situation unfurls.
This chapter of the lightweight division continues to prove just how fiercely competitive it is. Each potential matchup carries its own excitement, and UFC 313 remains poised to deliver even amid these unforeseen hurdles.