UFC lightweight Dan Hooker is set to return to action at UFC 266 on September 25 against unranked Nasrat Haqparast. ‘The Hangman’ will enter the bout off two-straight losses, albeit to elite competition in the UFC’s lightweight division. However, despite being on the verge of re-centering himself, Hooker has already begun the process of putting together a retirement plan.
The City Kickboxing stand-out revealed to SCMP that he has decided to take his talents to Bare-Knuckle Boxing [BKB] when it’s all said and done. Hooker explained that a championship with BKB is in his future once he’s 40. He made it clear that the move will be felicitated only once he’s called it curtains on his MMA career with the UFC.
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“BKB [bare-knuckle boxing], that’s where I’m going,” Hooker said with a smile. “Don’t look down on BKB. I swear that’s my retirement plan. I’m gonna be the BKB champ. That’s what I’m coming for.
“I’m coming in at 100 kilos, no gloves, let’s get it. You wait. Give me 10 years, 40-year-old Dan will be BKB champion of the world, light heavyweight.”
Furthermore, what’s more surprising is that Dan Hooker is looking to compete at light heavyweight in his post-UFC career. He would be moving up three weight classes and would arguably look like a much different fighter than he currently does at lightweight.
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Dan Hooker: Back on track
While a move to BKB is certainly intriguing, fans are keenly awaiting Dan Hooker’s return to winning ways in the UFC. He’s one of the most exciting fights on the roster and he always brings forth a sense of urgency when he fights.
Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (L-R) Dan Hooker of New Zealand punches Michael Chandler in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Nasrat Haqparast is sure to be a tough test despite the fact that he’s not currently ranked in the top 15. A win over Haqparast will put Hooker right back into the mix and help him regain the momentum he lost.
However, a loss to Haqparast at this stage in his career would undoubtedly be a concerning sign for things to come. However, the lightweight division is a shark tank and anything can happen when two elite combatants face-off
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