Dan Hooker believes he’s the man to hand Ilia Topuria his first loss.
Once a top-5 contender in the UFC lightweight division, Dan Hooker gets a shot at the No. 2 contender in Arman Tsarukyan in the main event of UFC Qatar on Nov. 22.
Ranked #7, Hooker is riding a three-fight win streak, with his most recent victory being a split decision effort over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 more than a year ago.
Should he pull off the win against Tsarukyan, Hooker is more than likely looking at a title fight against undefeated UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria.
‘Hangman’ believes he holds the edge over Topuria in a potential fight.
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Dan Hooker says he has more tools and is sharper than Ilia Topuria
Topuria is an extremely well-rounded fighter.
The 28-year-old comes from a Greco-Roman wrestling background but he has fine-tuned his boxing skills to knock out the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
Stylistically, the ultra-tough Hooker likes his chances against Topuria.
“Obviously, huge test in front of me, but I like that fight,” Hooker told Home of Fight’s Jake Noecker.
“I like that fight,” Hooker said of Topuria.
“I have a huge range advantage on the guy, and I feel like I have more tools in the bank.
“I feel like a bit sharper,” Hooker claimed.
“He’s a great puncher, but I feel like I have the boxing acumen to avoid those big shots or counter those big shots or kinda lead him in the dance.
“I think it’s an exciting fight…
“He’s on one heck of a streak. So to not only beat the champion, but to take the 0 from his record, it’s an exciting prospect,” Hooker said of potentially fighting Topuria someday.
Dan Hooker doesn’t think Ilia Topuria is the UFC’s best lightweight
Despite his status as champion, Hooker says there is somebody better than the 17-0 Topuria.
Arman Tsarukyan is 9-1 in the lightweight division since losing his UFC debut on short notice to Islam Makhachev in 2019. Tsarukyan has wins over former champ Charles Oliveira and a finish over former top-3 contender Beneil Dariush.
“Regardless of the bad blood, I feel like he is the best fighter in the division,” Hooker said of his next opponent Tsarukyan.
“Skill for skill, including the champion,” Hooker added.