UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker revealed that he was approached to serve as the backup fighter for the upcoming BMF title bout between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway at UFC 318. However, a lingering hand injury requiring a second surgery has forced him to decline the opportunity.
Hooker’s Potential Role at UFC 318
Hooker shared in an interview with Sky Sports New Zealand that the UFC intended to schedule him against another lightweight on the UFC 318 card. The plan was for him to be ready to step in for either Poirier or Holloway should either withdraw from the main event. “They wanted me to back up for this fight,” Hooker stated. “They wanted to get me another lightweight, just fight any old lightweight on the card, and if either of these guys got injured, the UFC wanted me to step in and back up for the BMF title.”
Injury Forces Withdrawal
Unfortunately, Hooker’s recovery from a previous hand surgery has not progressed as hoped. He explained that excessive scar tissue is preventing proper movement, necessitating a second procedure. “There’s too much scar tissue… it’s not a major surgery, they just need to cut it open and clean out some scar tissue,” he said. The timing of the surgery and subsequent recovery would not allow him to be ready for the July 19 event in New Orleans.
UFC 318 Main Event Details
UFC 318 is set to feature a trilogy fight between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway for the BMF title. This bout is particularly significant as Poirier has announced it will be his final fight, taking place in his hometown of New Orleans. The two fighters have previously met twice, with Poirier winning both encounters.
With Hooker unable to serve as the backup, the UFC may look to other fighters to fill the role, ensuring the main event proceeds as planned.
