Dan Hooker has been forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated co-main event fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 due to a hand injury. The matchup, set for March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was eagerly awaited by fans who were expecting nothing short of fireworks between the two elite lightweights.
Details emerged as Hooker confirmed his withdrawal through his daughter Zoe's video blog, stating, "I was supposed to have a fight because I’ve busted my paw." This injury has been described as severe enough to sideline him from competing just weeks before the event. Reports indicate it occurred during training, leading to concerns over the severity of the injury.
The fight between Hooker and Gaethje was set to be one of the highlights of UFC 313, drawing attention for its potential intensity. Hooker was riding high on a three-fight winning streak, having showcased his skills with victories over competitors like Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and Mateusz Gamrot. On the other hand, Gaethje was gearing up for his first appearance since his stunning knockout loss to Max Holloway back in April 2023.
Hooker had previously expressed his awareness of the bout’s expected ferocity. Echoing his readiness for what he dubbed as inevitable, he told ESPN Australia, "I know full well, 100 percent... I'm going straight on a stretcher, straight to the hospital." Such anticipation highlighted how seriously both fighters approached their upcoming clash.
With Hooker's abrupt exit, the focus now turns to Justin Gaethje and what the UFC will decide for him. Speculation runs rampant on whether the promotion will scramble to find a short-notice replacement or reorganize the fight card, which is already facing challenges to maintain its integrity. Some fans are whispering possibilities, including fighters like Mateusz Gamrot, who is currently ranked No. 8 after narrowly losing to Hooker last year. Would Gamrot step up to avenge his loss, or might someone like Ilia Topuria take on Gaethje after moving up to lightweight?
The UFC has historically shown resilience and creativity when faced with such predicaments, but the clock is ticking. Just over one week remains before the event, and time is of the essence for any fighter needing to make weight and prepare for Gaethje’s notoriously aggressive style.
Fans of the sport are left wondering how UFC 313 will shape up without one of its most anticipated bouts. The original match-up was not just about the fighters but also the narrative built around their styles and histories. Should the UFC proceed with seeking another opponent for Gaethje, there’s no shortage of potential challengers, but they might need to temper expectations for the caliber of fight available.
Meanwhile, the main event featuring light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and contender Magomed Ankalaev remains intact, promising its own set of thrilling moments for MMA aficionados. Regardless, the Hooker vs. Gaethje match will certainly be missed at UFC 313, with hopes for both men to eventually collide inside the Octagon.
This unfortunate turn of events only highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport. Fans and analysts alike are now keeping their fingers crossed for both Hooker’s swift recovery and Gaethje's next matchup, wherever it might lead. UFC fans are always yearning for spectacular fights, and the hope is for this rivalry to one day manifest on the grand stage, delivering the action everyone expected to see.