UFC fans are feeling the sting of disappointment as Dan Hooker has officially withdrawn from his highly anticipated co-main event bout against Justin Gaethje due to a serious hand injury. Scheduled for UFC 313 on May 13 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this clash of lightweight titans was expected to be one of the most exciting fights of the night, especially as both fighters have consistently thrilled audiences with their performances.
Unfortunately, just weeks before the event, Hooker suffered a fractured left hand during sparring, which has left him unable to compete. The severity of the injury was revealed when Hooker shared the news through his daughter's YouTube channel, explaining the situation with his characteristic candor. "Dad had a fight, or was supposed to have a fight, but I busted my paw," he stated, clearly disappointed.
Following the injury announcement, Hooker, who boasts a record of 24 wins and 12 losses and is currently ranked sixth in the UFC lightweight division, appeared on Sky Sports New Zealand to discuss the fracture. "It's a fracture in my left hand. Devastated doesn't cover it. This was a huge opportunity for me," he said, emphasizing how significant the bout against the former champion could have been for his career moving forward.
This fight was particularly pivotal for Hooker, who was riding high on a three-fight winning streak. A victory over Gaethje could have positioned him closer to title contention, making this setback all the more frustrating. The fight against Gaethje had been set as the co-main event, providing it with great expectations among fans and pundits alike.
While Hooker appears visibly upset about missing the opportunity, scrutiny is also falling on Gaethje, known as "The Highlight," who is now without his opponent. Gaethje, who previously lost to Max Holloway at UFC 300 earlier this year, expressed his own disappointment and quickly took to social media to announce his situation. On Snapchat, he mentioned, "Hooker is out of the fight. Waiting for a new opponent," showcasing his determination to remain active on the fight card.
Following his injury, Hooker brought humor to his situation, joking during his media appearance, "I’ll be like, ‘can I have one large glove and one 3XL please? They’ll be like, ‘what?’" His spirits remain high, but the reality of his condition weighs heavily as he contemplates the medical evaluations he must go through next: "Obviously, I still would fight," he remarked, but acknowledged, "when they squeeze your hands I’d just be there like cringeing in pain."
The uncertainty surrounding Gaethje’s next move has provoked mixed reactions within the UFC community as potential opponents began throwing their hats in the ring. Notable fighters such as Renato Moicano, Rafael Fiziev, and Mateusz Gamrot have expressed interest in stepping up to face Gaethje. Moicano and Fiziev both called out Gaethje publicly, hinting at their willingness to take on the former champion and shake up the co-main event.
Fiziev, currently ranked 11th, has remained inactive since last September but has made it clear he considers the unfinished business with Gaethje significant. "He is one of the toughest fighters out there, and we owe it to the fans to put on great fights," Fiziev stated in his callout.
Meanwhile, UFC executives are racing against the clock to secure Gaethje’s replacement, as maintaining momentum for the event hangs delicately by a thread. With just days remaining before the fight card is set to take place, the organization faces pressure to provide fans with the exciting matchups they expect.
Hooker’s hopes for rescheduling the fight are not entirely dashed, as he expressed optimism about facing Gaethje at another time. He mentioned during his media rounds, "We’ll see if we can kick this fight down the road. It’s just unfortunate it was this close. I’m gutted for all the fans who were excited for this fight. The lords of war were not happy and they took it away from you." Hooker's statements resonate with fans and reflect the shared disappointment felt across the MMA community.
With Justin Gaethje’s immediate future uncertain, and Dan Hooker on the mend, all eyes are now on UFC officials as they navigate this unexpected twist. Changes to UFC 313 are inevitable, but how they will play out remains to be seen. The event, originally brimming with promise, now faces challenges as both fighters reflect on what could have been.
While Hooker’s injury is undoubtedly unfortunate for him and fans alike, it serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where fortunes can change overnight. For now, fight enthusiasts will have to wait and see who will step up to face Gaethje and whether Hooker will be healthy enough to make his return to the octagon sooner rather than later.