Tony Ferguson is arguably one of the biggest names in MMA. From appearing on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ to fighting under the UFC banner, he has left a lasting impression among fans. However, when New Zealand fighter Dan Hooker was offered to fight ‘El Cucuy’, he felt offended, which he revealed in a recent interview. Fans are skeptical about his decision.
Dan Hooker is gearing up to face up-and-coming prospect, Jalin Turner, at UFC 290. However, in a recent interview with ‘Submission Radio’, he claimed to have felt insulted when the UFC pitched a fight against 39-year-old Tony Ferguson. Fighting an unranked fighter, who’s well past his peak, did not impress ‘The Hangman’. He claimed to have been “f***ing offended.”
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Dan Hooker was under medical advice not to train at that point in time. However, he felt so offended that he disregarded the medical advice and sparred at the gym to let out his frustration after receiving the offer to fight Ferguson. ‘El Cucuy’, who’s a former interim lightweight champion, has been on a losing streak of late. He lost his last fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 279, which he took on short notice after Khamzat Chimaev missed weight. However, he still carries a big reputation among MMA fans and they love to see him fight. Apparently, it wasn’t enough for Dan Hooker to accept the matchup with the 39-year-old.
Fans react to Dan Hooker snubbing the offer to fight Tony Ferguson
The fans were skeptical about Hooker’s decision to reject the Tony Ferguson fight. They claim that he always gets dominated by the top contenders and he should be grateful for the offer to fight the veteran. Moreover, they don’t see him overcoming Jalin Turner at UFC 290. Instead, it would have been better for him to fight Ferguson from a promotional standpoint. Here are some reactions from fans on Reddit.
Apparently Dan Hooker was offended at a Tony Ferguson offer
by u/Ok_Ask_5521 in ufc
- Dude, Hooker getting pounded repeatedly these days. He should be grateful to get a washed up el cucuy
- It would’ve been the better fight for him from both a promotional standpoint (since Ferguson has a bigger name than Turner) and a competitive standpoint (I think Turner smashes him)
- Tony is 15-6 in the UFC an 25-8 overall. Dan is 12-8 in the UFC 22-12 overall. Dan has 0 reason to feel that way. If anything Tony should be offended
- Tony would turn into powder and still ankle pick Dan
- Mfer hasn’t had a good fight since dustin poirier
- Tony is still a way bigger name than hooker
- This guy whines about f***ing everything
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One fan even pointed out that Hooker has more losses in the UFC than Ferguson. That’s why there was no reason for taking offense regarding that offer. Moreover, they believe that ‘El Cucuy’ can still beat him even at 39 years of age, and that he carries a bigger name than the New Zealand fighter.
While Dan Hooker looks forward to his fight against Jalin Turner, there are still no updates regarding Tony Ferguson’s next UFC fight. He is at an age when most fighters leave the sport. However, the fans believe that he might have a few more fights in him.
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What do you make of Hooker’s comments? Drop your comments below.
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