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Blockbuster Hooker vs Gaethje bout set to take place at UFC 313
Stephen Foote • January 14th, 2025 12:00 pm
Photo: Getty Images
Christmas looks as though it may have come slightly late for MMA fans.
A mouthwatering matchup between Dan Hooker and Justin Gaethje appears a near certainty to take place at UFC 313 on March 9 (NZ time).
In a video on his YouTube channel on Tuesday (NZ time), Gaethje confirmed the UFC had obliged his request to be included on the Las Vegas card, adding Hooker would be his likely opponent.
"So there’s no official fight signed but I told the UFC maybe two or three months ago that March was the date I was looking for," Gaethje said.
"I know there’s a fight on March 8 (US time) in Las Vegas so that’s the one I told them I wanted to be on. I think they’re figuring out fights right now but I’m certainly mentally preparing, physically preparing to fight on that date.
"I think it's going to be Dan Hooker, but with the UFC things can always change. But that’s what I’m preparing for, mentally, physically for that fight."
'The Hangman' has previously teased a bout against the American, offering an 'okay' hand gesture when asked about the rumoured contest by Submission Radio.
Gaethje is coming off a fifth-round defeat to Max Holloway in their famed BMF belt showdown last April, while Hooker most recently earned a split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot in Perth in August.
That victory - his third straight - saw Hooker climb to sixth in the division rankings, making a clash with No. 3 Gaethje a logical option, notwithstanding the 'fight of the year' potential on offer between two fan favourites with well earned reputations for show-stealing performances.
The fight would likely serve as a co-main event before a speculated headliner between light heavyweight world champion Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev.
