Dan Hooker has officially pulled out of his scheduled fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 due to a hand injury, multiple reports confirm. The lightweight showdown, set for March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was expected to be one of the most explosive matchups on the card.
Hooker Confirms Injury, UFC Yet to Announce Replacement
Hooker, nicknamed “The Hangman,” seemingly confirmed his withdrawal during a video blog appearance, referring to his injured hand as a “busted paw.” However, the UFC has yet to make an official statement on his removal or announce a replacement opponent for Gaethje.
With less than two weeks until fight night, the promotion now faces a race against time to find a new challenger for the former interim lightweight champion.
A Highly Anticipated Bout Falls Apart
The Hooker vs. Gaethje clash was one of the most anticipated fights of UFC 313, with both fighters known for their high-intensity, fan-friendly styles. Hooker entered the bout riding a three-fight win streak, with victories over Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and Mateusz Gamrot.
Gaethje, on the other hand, was looking to rebound from a knockout loss to Max Holloway in April last year. His aggressive approach and knockout power had fans eager to see how he would match up against Hooker’s durability and striking skills.
What’s Next for Gaethje?
As it stands, Gaethje remains on the UFC 313 card, but his opponent is yet to be determined. With time running out, the UFC will have to move quickly to secure a short-notice replacement or risk scrapping the fight altogether.
