Dan Hooker on fight vs. Justin Gaethje being five rounds: 'UFC wants to see someone die'

Dan Hooker ensures most violence in his struggle towards Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) and Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) will throw down in a five-round light-weight co-main occasion (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) March 8 at T-Cell Area in Las Vegas.

Gaethje has 13 post-fight UFC bonuses to his title, whereas Hooker has engaged in some grueling battles towards the likes of Dustin Poirier and Jalin Turner. That’s why, when the UFC supplied him Gaethje in a five-round battle, “The Hangman” knew precisely what they’re searching for.

“I simply suppose the UFC desires to see somebody die,” Hooker mentioned on “The Ariel Helwani Present.” “I feel they simply wish to end it. They need this struggle for the followers, as effectively. They wish to see somebody go down. They wish to see blood. They wish to see Rounds 4 and 5.

“I’m joyful to oblige for cash. If I used to be again within the kitchen manufacturing unit, and I stayed an additional couple of hours, I’d count on one other couple of additional bucks in my again pocket, brother. I’m not right here for enjoyable. I’m not right here as a result of I such as you guys. It’s prizefighting, brother.”

Hooker re-entered the higher echelon of the light-weight division after three straight wins over Claudio Puelles, Turner, and most lately a Struggle of the Night time over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in August.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 313.