via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (L-R) Dan Hooker of New Zealand punches Michael Chandler in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (L-R) Dan Hooker of New Zealand punches Michael Chandler in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has finally taken to social media following his TKO loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 257. ‘The Hangman’ suffered a devastating defeat to the debutant in Chandler who was looking to make a huge splash. Hooker’s last few fights have been all-out wars against heavy hitters like Dustin Poirier, so his durability came into question.
The New Zealand-based MMA stand-out didn’t take the loss very well and has yet to address it officially. Not to mention, there were concerns about his will to continue fighting when he took out his gloves. However, given the recent posts that surfaced in Abu Dhabi, it seems like he’s on the mend.
Also Watch: Heartwarming Moment Between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier’s Wife After UFC 257
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Dan Hooker back in action
‘The Hangman’ was unable to go back home after UFC 257 due to travel restrictions and has a meaningful stay to complete in Abu Dhabi. What’s more, he’ll also have a quarantine period in New Zealand upon landing. However, in the meantime, it seems as though Hooker is slowly getting back from his tough losses.
via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: Michael Chandler battles Dan Hooker during the UFC 257 event at UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Moreover, he’s been seen training with UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa who is coming off a statement KO win. Fans of the lightweight will be glad to see him back in good form, considering the state of mind with which he left the cage.
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Apparently he’s still in Abu Dhabi watching Tai Tuivasa train for his upcoming bout pic.twitter.com/ZlavvkLkN3
— Chris Taylor (@CTaylor_96) January 30, 2021
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Dan Hooker is now on a two-fight skid, and he’s lost to two of the top fighters currently ranked in the 155-pound division. However, there are still several matches that are appealing, including Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson who is also coming off losses. There are questions about his ability to take a shot, and ‘The Hangman’ will be keen to make it back to the cage.
Chiefly, going forward, it’s unclear how the title picture is primed to shape up considering Khabib Nurmagomedov’s partial retirement. ‘The Eagle’ is likely to walk away and will leave a void in the division that must be filled. There are several high octane match-ups to be had, and Hooker’s recent woes haven’t set him back all that much.
