Dan Hooker Eyes October Return, Targets Arman Tsarukyan

Veteran UFC lightweight Dan Hooker is nearly healed and eager to step back into the octagon after a frustrating hand injury halted his momentum earlier this year. Speaking during UFC X at International Fight Week, the always-outspoken Kiwi revealed that his recovery is on track and he anticipates making his comeback this October or November.

Hooker had originally been scheduled to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 in March, a bout that fans had marked as a potential Fight of the Year candidate. Unfortunately, a fractured hand sustained during training forced Hooker to withdraw. Now, with his recovery nearly complete, he’s preparing for a strong return.

“I think I'll be good to go in October, November,” Hooker told MMA Junkie Radio. “I think Gaethje is just going to sit and wait for another title shot. It would be silly to come and fight another contender, but that's what's so interesting about the division now. The title is moving, and over the next couple of months there's going to be a lot of movement in the division. It's good.”

Hooker acknowledged that the lightweight division is in flux, especially with Ilia Topuria recently crowned champion. He suspects Gaethje, rather than risking his status, will likely sit out and campaign for a direct title shot, making a rebooking of their clash unlikely for the time being.

Instead, Hooker has shifted his focus to Arman Tsarukyan, one of the division’s most dangerous and technically proficient contenders. Tsarukyan, who has been actively calling out Hooker, currently sits at the top of the title contention queue and is widely regarded as the best grappler in the 155-pound class.

“Arman has been calling me out, and that's the No. 1 contender,” Hooker said. “No one likes the guy, so I'd just like to kick his teeth in.”

That quote captures Hooker's trademark fire and willingness to take on the most difficult matchups. While many fighters might shy away from Tsarukyan’s smothering wrestling, Hooker welcomes the challenge head-on. When asked why he’s chasing a stylistically tough fight instead of a potentially more fan-friendly brawl, Hooker made it clear that excitement comes down to his own resilience.

“I don't give a f*ck,” Hooker said. “Mine was exciting, the (Mateusz) Gamrot fight, because I was able to get up. If they can just hold you down and make it a boring fight, then that's my fault. But because my counter-wrestling is of that level and people just can't hold me down, and I'm able to scramble up to my feet, that's what makes the fight exciting.”

His comments highlight a core belief that exciting fights come not just from throwing hands, but from the ability to neutralize an opponent’s strengths. Hooker’s bout with Mateusz Gamrot, another elite grappler, proved he can survive and even thrive against pressure-heavy fighters.

At 34 years old, Hooker remains a key player in the UFC's shark tank of a lightweight division. His willingness to face elite opponents like Tsarukyan instead of waiting for favorable matchups keeps him relevant, entertaining, and respected among fans and fighters alike.

As the UFC's lightweight landscape shifts over the next few months, all eyes will be on Hooker’s return — and if he gets his wish, the “Hangman” could find himself standing across the octagon from one of the most feared men in the division.