Dan Hooker has one clear mission this weekend: Make issues enjoyable.
On Saturday, Hooker faces Mateusz Gamrot within the featured principal card battle of UFC 305. It’s a giant alternative for Hooker, who’s on a two-fighting profitable streak, to leap into the light-weight prime 5, and one which “The Hangman” couldn’t be happier with.
“I find it irresistible, brother,” Hooker mentioned of the matchup. “I like that attractive little quantity he’s obtained subsequent to his identify. That’s what I’m coming for.
“They’ll need to [fight me if I win]. That utterly adjustments the route. A whole lot of the massive names within the division are all coming off losses, [Charles] Oliveira, [Dustin] Poirier, [Justin] Gaethje, [Michael] Chandler — all of those guys are going to need one thing I’ve, which goes to be a three-fight win streak.”
After all, beating Gamrot is less complicated mentioned than achieved. The previous KSW two-division champion is broadly considered the most effective lightweights on the planet, with a 7-2 document within the UFC. That being mentioned, if there’s a criticism of Gamrot, it’s his penchant for selections as “Gamer” has gone to the scorecards in 4 of his previous 5 fights. That hasn’t at all times been the case for Gamrot although, who gained 4 efficiency bonuses in his first 5 UFC fights.
Hooker says he’s been charged with bringing that form of battle again out of his opponent.
“God no, I’m going to make it thrilling,” Hooker mentioned when requested if Gamrot will attempt to be extra thrilling this weekend. “That’s why they put this battle collectively. They had been like, ‘Who can drag it out of him?’ I’ll press that motion.”
Gamrot is at present ranked No. 5 within the UFC light-weight rankings, so if Hooker pulls off the upset, it is going to be the most important win of his profession to date. And whereas a win may arrange a matchup with a number of the different massive names within the division that Hooker beforehand talked about, if he’s spectacular sufficient, Hooker additionally believes this might be the one which earns him a title shot.
“Who else is there?” Hooker mentioned. “The one different guys — you ain’t getting a title shot off a loss. If you wish to be subsequent in line, you’re going to need to [win]. What now, Arman is subsequent in line? Who’s after that? The title battle is booked, who’s after that? The winner of this weekend is the following man.”
UFC 305 takes place this Saturday on the RAC Enviornment in Perth, Australia.
