A coaching accident pulled Dan Hooker out of UFC 313.
Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) was scheduled to battle former interim light-weight champion Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in a five-round co-main occasion March 8 at T-Cell Enviornment in Las Vegas (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+), however he withdrew on account of a hand harm.
“The Hangman” confirmed off his swollen left hand in an interview with Sky Sport New Zealand.
“One of many paws just isn’t doing too nicely,” Hooker stated. “I used to be sparring final evening, simply as I do, simply letting some hooks go, simply throwing some bombs down vary, and I simply caught one of many boys on the highest of the dome with my knuckle. I don’t assume an excessive amount of of it, however they despatched me off to get a CT scan. Had a little bit CT scan, and so they instructed me my hand is fractured.
“So yeah, I clearly nonetheless would battle (laughs), however with the medicals they squeeze your arms, so we’ll see the way it all performs out. We’ll see if we are able to kick this battle down the street, or we’ll simply wait and see.”
Hooker, who was anticipating a post-fight hospital go to after throwing down with Gaethje, expressed his frustration of getting to withdraw lower than two weeks away from the battle.
“It’s unlucky that it was this shut,” Hooker stated. “Clearly gutted for all of the followers that I do know that had been excited for this battle. That’s most likely the principle factor, I feel. The Lords of Struggle weren’t completely happy, and so they took it away from you.”
Hooker is on a three-fight successful streak, the place he defeated Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and most just lately a Struggle of the Night time over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 final August.
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