Some call him a warrior, some call him an entertainer, and many call him a psychopath when he shows heart in the Octagon.
Dan Hooker‘s victories in the UFC have always ended with fascinating stoppages or gruelling wars.
However, ‘The Hangman’ has been on top of his game recently as he’s just a fight away from a potential undisputed title shot.
Here is how the New Zealand fighter became a lightweight contender and how a victory at UFC Qatar will allow him to compete for gold.
Introducing the next big problem at 155lbs
Hooker made his way into the top 15 after knocking out Gilbert Burns in the first round at UFC 226.
The City Kickboxing mixed martial artist extended his win streak to four, which included finishes over Jim Miller and Marc Diakese.
In his third and final battle of 2018, the #14 contender went head-to-head with the #5 contender, Edson Barboza, as he had the opportunity to boost up the rankings.
Sadly for Hooker, despite showing plenty of heart and toughness, he suffered a damaging third-round TKO loss.
The UFC clearly respects the Auckland-born fighter’s determination, as while he dropped out of the rankings after his defeat, he had another shot at returning to the lightweight top 15.
Hooker faced the #15-ranked James Vick at UFC San Antonio and won by first-round knockout.
After re-entering the rankings, The Hangman boosted up to #6 when he defeated Al Iaquinta by unanimous decision at UFC 243 in what was a dominant striking battle.
Before COVID-19 affected crowd attendances, Hooker fought Paul Felder in his hometown, edging a split decision win as well as a Fight of the Night (FOTN) bonus.
Close to title contention against tough opposition
With only one loss in eight fights, in the space of three years, Hooker took on his hardest competitor yet, Dustin Poirier.
In a very entertaining five-round war, the former Interim Champion won by unanimous decision, but the fight showed that the Kiwi could compete with the best in the division.
However, that came crashing down when debutant Michael Chandler knocked him out in the first round at UFC 257.
Chandler fought for the title in his next bout, as that was an opportunity the Auckland fighter could have taken.
After a redeeming win against Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 266, Hooker fought a month later and faced the newly crowned two-division champion, Islam Makhachev, at UFC 267.
Unfortunately for the former kickboxer, he suffered a first-round submission defeat and dropped down the rankings.
It would only get worse for The Hangman as he tested the water at featherweight against the #7 contender, Arnold Allen, in enemy territory.
Once again, Hooker was defeated in the first round, this time by TKO at UFC London, as he now only had one win in his last five fights.
The Redemption Arc
In a concerning situation, the Auckland fighter had to keep himself in the lightweight rankings after dropping to #12.
The revival of Hooker began at Madison Square Garden for UFC 281, where he scored a second-round TKO win over Claudio Puelles to maintain his position.
The New Zealander faced the #11 contender and the tallest 155lbs fighter, Jalin Turner, at UFC 290.
In a gruelling three-round war, Hooker managed to take the victory with a split decision win and received a FOTN bonus.
Now on a two-fight triumphant streak, the fan-favourite’s next bout was a chance to rise into the top five of the lightweight division.
Hooker went toe-to-toe with the #5 contender Mateusz Gamrot in Perth at UFC 305.
While Gamrot was a likely favourite, The Hangman contested with the Pole on the feet and ground, making it an excellent watch for Australian fans.
After the thrilling three-round battle, the 35-year-old won by a close split decision to boost himself up the rankings.
The fight for a championship chance
At UFC 303, Hooker was initially scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje in the co-main event, a promisingly fun matchup.
Sadly, the MMA veteran had to pull out due to injury, but another opportunity pulled up months later.
The UFC travels to Doha, Qatar, for the first time, hosting a stacked fight night at the ABHA Arena.
Out of all the possible opponents, Hooker faces the #1 lightweight contender, Arman Tsarukyan, in the headliner.
Just like Hooker, Tsarukyan has yet to fight for a title in the UFC despite being scheduled to face Makhachev earlier this year, when he pulled out due to injury.
The Hangman has not come this close to a title shot before, especially as the #1 contender in the division.
The New Zealander heads into the battle as a big underdog, with his opponent having fewer defeats, a longer win streak and a younger age.
However, Hooker has been an underdog on many occasions and has come out on top, but can he win the biggest fight of his career and claim a title shot?