Hooker calls out Gaethje after UFC Auckland win
Dan Hooker wants to square off with one of the most exciting fighters in the lightweight division after edging out Paul Felder in the UFC Auckland main event.
"I got my eye on someone. I want the battle of the highlight reel. I want Justin Gaethje next," Hooker said in his postfight interview. "Let's go."
Hooker beat Felder via split decision for the biggest win of his career Saturday night. The New Zealander was ranked No. 7 at 155 pounds going into his first UFC headliner, with Felder just ahead at No. 6.
The victory likely earned "The Hangman" a shot at a top-five lightweight, and No. 4-ranked Gaethje fits the bill. Gaethje has won three in a row, most recently knocking out Donald Cerrone in September.
Gaethje said he wants to fight the winner of the Khabib Nurmagomedov-Tony Ferguson title fight but UFC president Dana White believes the next shot will go to Conor McGregor. Gaethje also recently called out McGregor.
Hooker is now riding a three-fight winning streak, which also includes a decision over Al Iaquinta and a knockout of James Vick.