Dan Hooker Says He Can Be Himself In Lightweight Division

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Dan Hooker spoke about the limitations of fighting at featherweight and how he can be himself at lightweight. Here are highlights:

On his move to lightweight: “145 kind of took my venom. (It) kind of took that killer instinct – took my ability to think and be technical. Now, at ’55, I’m me. This is (the) me I expected to go to all these other fights. But I had to learn the hard way.”

On wanting to fight at UFC 221: “Up, down, left, right, it’s all the same thing. Six weeks is a quick turnaround, so I’m not waiting for any man. It’s kind of first in, first served. If you want the fight, message (UFC matchmaker) Sean (Shelby) and we’ll put it together. I’ll sign it tomorrow.”

On his advice for Marc Diakiese: “I started my pro career and I dedicated my life to this sport when I was 3-3,” Hooker said. “I went, I said, ‘I’m done.’ I was three wins, three losses, I said, ‘I’m done with this sport. I hate it, I’m over it.’ I went and got a sales job. I was there one day. I knocked on one door. The guy was rude to me, I wanted to punch him and I said, ‘I’m going to back to the gym. I said, I’m done. I’m going back to training.’ That’s the moment I dedicated my life to the sport. I’ve learned my hard lessons outside of the UFC. He’s learning them inside the UFC. He’s a talented kid. He’ll come back from this if he wants to. You pick yourself up. He’s a very dangerous guy, very talented. The world is his oyster, he can get back in there.”