Dan Hooker has withdrawn from his struggle with Justin Gaethje, probably the most anticipated fights of the 12 months.
The fan favourite strikers had been scheduled to face off within the five-round co-main occasion of UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas, however Hooker introduced Tuesday, through his daughter’s YouTube channel, that he’s out of the light-weight bout on account of a hand damage. MMA reporter Benny P initially tweeted the information.
“Dad had a struggle, or was imagined to have a struggle, however I’ve busted my paw,” Hooker stated.
This can be a bitter capsule to swallow for struggle followers, who had been set to look at two of MMA’s most enjoyable fighters sq. off. Gaethje has gained a Struggle of the Evening bonus eight occasions in his UFC profession, whereas Hooker has been a part of three such bouts.
Rafael Fiziev was fast to volunteer his companies to interchange Hooker, although the UFC has but to make an official announcement as as to whether Gaethje will keep on UFC 313 or if his bout with Hooker shall be re-booked for one more date.
“Let’s run it again,” Fiziev wrote on Twitter, tagging Gaethje’s account.
Gaethje and Fiziev fought in a three-round thriller at UFC 286 in March 2023, with Gaethje incomes a majority resolution win.
Hooker was seeking to capitalize on a resurgent three-fight win streak, with break up nods over Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner in his previous two outings. Gaethje most lately fought at UFC 300 this previous April, the place he misplaced by last-second knockout to Max Holloway within the 2024 Struggle of the 12 months.
UFC 313 takes place at T-Cellular Enviornment in Las Vegas on March 8. In the principle occasion, Alex Pereira defends his gentle heavyweight title towards Magomed Ankalaev.
