While Dan Hooker’s immediate focus is on Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC Qatar main event this Saturday, he acknowledges the significant implications of a victory.
UFC CEO Dana White has already designated the fight as a No. 1 contender’s bout. Although nothing is official until a contract is signed, Hooker appreciates the clarity on the stakes heading into the octagon.
“I kind of expected it, and that’s why I wanted this fight and asked for this fight,” Hooker told MMA Fighting. “I like the way that Dana answered it… like it was obvious this was going to be the No. 1 contender [fight].”
A win over Tsarukyan may guarantee Hooker a title shot, but the timeline remains uncertain. The new UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, who won the belt with a knockout of Charles Oliveira in June, has yet to book his first defense. Rumors suggest Topuria could headline a card in January to launch the UFC’s new broadcast deal with Paramount.
Signs point toward a showdown between Topuria and his rival Paddy Pimblett, who is 7-0 in the UFC after his recent win over Michael Chandler. While Pimblett’s ranking may not justify a title opportunity, the animosity and star power shared between him and Topuria make it a highly marketable contest.
Hooker, however, is unconvinced of Pimblett’s chances. When asked if Pimblett could realistically dethrone the champion, Hooker responded with a laugh, “No. Long and short of it, I don’t see that happening.”
Instead, Hooker is eager for his own opportunity against Topuria. He has high praise for the champion’s rapid ascent through two divisions. “Incredible streak,” Hooker said. “Anyone wearing that belt, the contenders in the division have their eyes on and are hunting down.”
He sees a potential fight with Topuria as an exciting stylistic matchup and a clear path forward, especially with other top contenders potentially being booked for a ‘BMF’ title fight. “I feel like I match up well stylistically with Ilia,” Hooker stated. “The door’s wide open for the undisputed title. It’s a very exciting time to get a No. 1 contender fight next to your name.”
The prospect of facing an undefeated superstar like Topuria is a major draw for Hooker, who aims to be the first to hand him a loss.
“That’s obviously sweet to put an ‘O’ next to someone’s name and to stop the incredible run that he’s on,” Hooker said. “I’m long enough in the tooth to say that’s all just mystique and hype… I know that everyone bleeds. On any one night, any man can win.”
Before any talk of championships can become a reality, Hooker must first overcome his next challenge. He recognizes the difficulty of the task ahead, viewing his opponent as the toughest fight in the division.
“You’ve got to just take it one fight at a time. I’ve got a huge test in front of me in Arman Tsarukyan,” Hooker affirmed. “I feel like he is the best in the division… and that’s why I want this fight. My focus is definitely on Arman at the moment.”
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