Dan Hooker wants a massive fight after continuing his career resurgence with a big upset win at UFC 305.
‘The Hangman’ gave #5 ranked lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot all he could handle over three rounds at the RAC Arena in Perth on Saturday night.
Hooker got the nod after three highly competitive roundsCredit: Getty
Both men were covered in cuts and bruises as they stood in the middle of the Octagon and anxiously waited for Bruce Buffer to announce the official decision.
Ultimately, two of the three cageside judges scored the fight 29-28 for Hooker, with the dissenting official giving the contest to Gamrot two rounds to one.
“How you like me now?” Hooker shouted during his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.
“I don’t think I fought that well but you get in a fight, you get your hand raised, that’s all that counts.
“I’m tougher than old leather. I know I can walk down any man in this world.”
After being asked what he wants next after stretching his perfect run to three in a row, Hooker called out Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and everyone in the 155lb top five.
He said: “I want them all.”
“I want the ‘BMF.’ I want Conor McGregor. I want a title eliminator.”
Gamrot started their UFC 305 fight really well. The Polish wrestler showed confidence in his hands and tagged Hooker with a couple of eye-catching punches in round one.
The 33-year-old went back to his wrestling roots before Hooker did well to get back to his feet – but he might have wished he didn’t as he got wobbled by a big punch soon after.
Hooker and Gamrot put on a showCredit: Getty
In an ideal world, Hooker wants to face McGregor nextCredit: Zuffa LLC via Getty
Gamrot swarmed him with punches. However, just as the fight seemed like it could be over, Hooker cracked the former two-division KSW champion with a clean left hook.
Round two was more of the same. Gamrot impressed with his wrestling ability, but Hooker continued to prove he wasn’t going down without a fight.
The New Zealander locked up a nasty guillotine choke and used it for the rest of the fight to defend takedown attempts from his opponent.
"The BMF! Conor McGregor! Title Eliminator!"
DAN HOOKER WANTS IT ALL BROTHER!!!#UFC305 | Live on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/P3GJiDXhRr
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 18, 2024
Round three was largely contested on the feet. Although he’s not known for his striking, Gamrot had his moments and was able to catch Hooker clean.
In the end, Hooker did enough to convince two judges he was the worthy winner.
While fights with McGregor and Holloway would be exciting, they seem unlikely as both men are currently booked to face other people.
McGregor and Michael Chandler are expected to throw down soon. UFC boss Dana White doubts they will clash in 2024, but insists they will meet at some point.
Holloway, who holds the BMF title, will look to win back his featherweight belt when he takes on current champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 on October 26.
Hooker will have to find someone else to face next time out.