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Dan Hooker, known for his warrior spirit and do-or-die attitude, opened up about his intense rivalry with former foe Edson Barboza. Their memorable clash took place in December 2018, leaving a lasting impact on both fighters and fans.
Hooker, riding a four-fight win streak at the time, faced Barboza in an absolute war inside the UFC octagon. Despite his resilience, Hooker fell short, with Barboza stopping him in the third round. The fight was a brutal showcase of skill, heart, and determination.
In colorful language, Hooker didn’t mince words when discussing Barboza: “F—k Edson Barboza,” he laughed during the interview on FREESTYLEBENDER. “If he ever wants to fight again, I’ll kick his f—kin’ chin off. F—k your face.”
The animosity runs deep, fueled by the fact that Barboza had thoroughly beaten Hooker. The New Zealand fighter’s competitive fire remains unquenched, and he issued a bold challenge:
“Hey, if you want to come back to Lightweight, I will f—kin’ knock your teeth out, bro.”
Despite the loss, Hooker’s determination and fighting spirit shine through. He remains prepared to face anyone, even if they merely look at him funny. For Dan Hooker, the memory of that battle with Barboza fuels his desire for redemption and revenge