Dan Hooker, known to MMA fans as `The Hangman,` has always been a fighter. Yet, a recent detour from the UFC Octagon has revealed another facet of his persona: that of an enterprising, and somewhat eccentric, boxing promoter. While recuperating from an injury that scuttled a much-anticipated clash with Justin Gaethje, Hooker didn`t merely sit idly by. Instead, he plunged headfirst into the local combat sports scene in New Zealand, orchestrating his own brand of pugilistic entertainment.
From Injury Downtime to Local Fight Night Innovator
Hooker`s year has been a narrative of challenges and adaptability. A hand injury forced him out of a significant co-main event, delaying his return to the world`s premier MMA organization. The initial hope for a quick comeback morphed into further delays, proving that even elite athletes aren`t immune to the vagaries of recovery. Now, with a rescheduled bout against Arman Tsarukyan looming on November 22nd in UFC Doha, the veteran lightweight is clearly back in fighting shape and focused on climbing the divisional ladder.
However, his time away wasn`t solely dedicated to rehabilitation. Hooker channeled his innate drive for competition into fostering it for others. He began running a series of “1-minute scraps” boxing tournaments, drawing local talent in New Zealand. These events, while initially met with some critique, have evidently resonated with the community, transforming into a regular fixture. Hooker, ever the motivator, transitioned from competitor to impassioned promoter, rallying the fighters before they exchanged blows within the confines of a local gym.
A Yuletide Twist: The `Dads with No Fights` Christmas Spectacle
As the year draws to a close, Hooker`s promotional calendar is already bustling. He`s planning multiple themed events, including a “King of Knockouts” tournament for November, December, and January, which, as the name suggests, requires contestants to have a knockout victory on their record to even enter. It`s a clear nod to the explosive finishes that define much of combat sports.
But it`s his audacious plan for a forthcoming event that truly captures the imagination and showcases Hooker`s unique brand of creativity. In a stroke of holiday-themed genius, he unveiled intentions for a tournament dedicated entirely to “dads with no fights.” Imagine, if you will, the seasoned yet unbaptized warriors of suburbia – men who have perhaps trained diligently over the years, juggling family and work, but never quite found the time or impetus to step into the competitive ring.
Hooker`s rationale is as pragmatic as it is heartwarming, tinged with a dash of classic Kiwi wit:
“Christmas is coming up in December. Dads need money for Christmas. I was thinking we’ll get dads out there. Dads with no fights. Obviously guys that have been training for a long time but they just never had the time to get out there and fight so we’re going to go to dads.”
This festive fight night promises to be an intriguing spectacle, offering a platform for these unsung heroes to finally test their mettle, perhaps earning a little extra holiday cheer for their families in the process. It`s an endearing, slightly off-kilter concept that simultaneously provides a competitive outlet and a novel form of community engagement.
Back to Business: The Octagon Beckons
While his boxing promotion offers a fascinating diversion, Dan Hooker`s primary focus remains firmly on his UFC career. His upcoming clash with Arman Tsarukyan is not just another fight; it`s a strategically crucial matchup that could position the winner for a shot at the lightweight title.
Hooker`s motivation for this particular bout is intense, even surpassing his desire for the highly anticipated Justin Gaethje fight that slipped through his grasp. He views Tsarukyan as the tougher challenge, the opponent whom “everyone thinks is going to beat me.” This underdog mentality, this yearning for the most formidable test, is what truly ignites the fighting spirit of `The Hangman.`
“This is the fight I wanted because I feel like it’s a guy that everyone thinks is going to beat me. That’s what I want. That’s why I want the fight. To me, I want the toughest test. I want the guy that everyone thinks I’m going to lose to… This fight gets me out of bed. Gaethje didn’t even really get me out of bed.”
It`s a testament to his competitor`s mindset, always seeking the steepest hill to climb.
As Dan Hooker prepares to re-enter the demanding realm of the UFC, his boxing promotion serves as a testament to his enduring passion for combat sports in all its forms. From meticulously planning themed fight nights for aspiring pugilists and suburban dads to steeling himself for an octagon showdown with a top contender, Hooker is proving to be a man of many hats, all worn with a distinctly Kiwi flair. His busy schedule ahead ensures that fans, whether of MMA or grassroots boxing, will have plenty to observe from `The Hangman.`
Marcus Bellamy 
Connor Westbrook