Dan Hooker open to return vs. Rafael Fiziev, Renato Moicano at UFC 303 in June
Dan Hooker is happy to take on any lightweight – even the least sought out ones.
Hooker (22-12 MMA, 12-8 UFC) is expected to be cleared within the next week after breaking his arm this past November, which required surgery.
Currently riding a two-fight winning streak – including a Fight of the Night war over Jalin Turner at UFC 290 last July, Hooker wants to return at UFC 303 on June 29, which is during International Fight Week.
“I have my eyes on June, the June International Fight Week. … It’s good to have, especially at this stage of your career, a good amount of time like that off,” Hooker told Sky Sports NZ. “It’s definitely slowed me down, but it’s like a forced holiday, so I’m just excited.
“There’s still big fights in the lightweight division between now and then. I feel like the division will move and, as always, you take the best guy you can possibly get your hands on come June. Anyone wants to have a fight? I’m in.”
Hooker already expressed interest in Beneil Dariush, and has now added two other potential opponents – Rafael Fiziev and Renato Moicano, but for different reasons.
“I look at the rankings and I go, ‘Who does no one want to fight?’ I think Fiziev,” Hooker said. “I don’t think anyone wants to fight Fiziev. So who’s probably dumb enough to put their hand up for that fight? The guy over here, (me).
“But there’s a lot of exciting fights. Moicano is coming off a big win. I think I can get that fight in a heartbeat, and I’ll be happy with that Moicano fight. It’s an exciting fight. He’s definitely won me over as a fan with these last couple of post-fight interviews.”