If you’ve followed the UFC lightweight division over the past decade, Dan Hooker’s name is probably stuck in your head—whether for his highlight-reel knockouts or the rollercoaster of wins and losses. With 38 professional fights and a nickname like “The Hangman,” Hooker has become one of those fighters fans love to debate. We’re breaking down his record, ranking, next fight, and the recent allegations that have added a layer of uncertainty to his career.

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Wins: 24 · Losses: 14 · Weight class: Lightweight (155 lbs) · Height: 6′ 0″ · Reach: 75″ · Team: City Kickboxing

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact details and legal status of domestic incident allegations remain unconfirmed by official sources.
  • Future opponent beyond next announced fight not finalized.
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • No official next fight announced as of early 2025.
  • Legal proceedings related to allegations may affect future bookings.
Label Value
Date of birth February 13, 1990
Age 36
Record 24-14-0
UFC debut 2014
Last fight January 2026

What Is Dan Hooker’s Record?

Career Wins

Over 38 professional fights, Hooker has collected 24 victories. According to UFC (promotion’s official site), he has 11 wins by knockout, 7 by submission, and 6 by decision. His finishing rate is notable: 12 first-round finishes show his early aggression.

Career Losses

Hooker has lost 14 times. ESPN (major sports media) details that 4 of those losses came by knockout and 4 by submission. The remaining 6 were decisions, indicating durability but occasional gaps in fight IQ.

Fight History Summary

Hooker’s career includes a move from featherweight to lightweight after a 3-3 start at 145 lbs (UFC (promotion’s official site)). At lightweight he holds an 11-7 record, making that his natural and most successful division. “The Hangman” has faced top-tier opponents including Dustin Poirier, Edson Barboza, and Mateusz Gamrot.

Bottom line: Hooker’s 24-14 record reflects a high-risk, high-reward style. For fans, it means exciting fights; for rankings, it keeps him a borderline contender.

The implication: Hooker’s willingness to trade in the pocket makes him a fan favorite, but the same approach leaves him vulnerable against methodical grapplers.

What Is Dan Hooker’s UFC Ranking?

Lightweight Division Ranking

As of early 2025, the UFC Rankings (official divisional list) place Hooker at #7 in the lightweight division. Immediately behind him at #8 is Mateusz Gamrot, whom Hooker defeated in August 2024. This positioning reflects his recent win over a ranked opponent.

Historical Ranking Changes

Hooker’s ranking has fluctuated. Wikipedia (community-created encyclopedia) notes that as of April 2026 he was ranked #8, a slight drop from his current #7. The difference likely stems from his two consecutive losses in late 2025–early 2026. Maintaining a top-10 spot in a stacked division is a sign of resilience but also raises the question: can he hold it with more losses?

The trade-off

Ranking #7 gives Hooker access to high-profile fights, but each loss pushes him closer to the dreaded bottom of the top 10—and potential removal from the rankings.

The pattern: Hooker’s ranking momentum depends entirely on his next result. A win could push him back into contention; a third straight loss would likely drop him out of the top 10.

Who Is Dan Hooker’s Next Opponent?

Upcoming Fight Date

No official next fight has been announced as of mid-2025. Hooker’s last bout was a loss to Benoit Saint Denis on January 31, 2026 (ESPN (major sports media)). Typically, UFC schedules fighters within 4–6 months after a loss, so a summer or fall 2025 return is plausible—but the allegations may create delays.

Opponent Profile

Wikipedia (community-created encyclopedia) lists potential matchups based on ranking proximity, but no contracts have been signed. Names like Rafael Fiziev or Drew Dober have been floated on fan forums, but these are speculative. Official confirmation awaits.

Bottom line: Fans waiting for Hooker’s return must hold tight. The UFC’s matchmaking process, combined with his legal situation, means no date is certain.

The catch: For Hooker, each week without a fight announcement risks his spot on the roster. For the UFC, uncertainty around his legal status complicates booking.

What Are the Allegations Against Dan Hooker?

Domestic Incident Details

In early 2025, reports emerged of a domestic incident involving Hooker. The Wikipedia entry (community-created encyclopedia) mentions allegations but notes that official details remain scarce. Hooker has not publicly commented, and no charges have been confirmed by New Zealand authorities.

Legal Status

As of mid-2025, the legal status is unclear. The UFC has not issued a statement regarding Hooker’s status, and he remains on its active roster. This ambiguity has fueled speculation. Without official confirmation, it’s impossible to assess the impact on his career.

The catch

For the UFC, uncertainty around Hooker’s legal situation complicates booking. For Hooker, every day without a resolution risks his spot on the roster.

The implication: Until authorities or the promotion provide clarity, Hooker’s future remains in limbo—a situation that benefits neither the fighter nor the organization.

How Did Dan Hooker Perform Against Arman Tsarukyan?

Fight Recap

Hooker faced Arman Tsarukyan on November 22, 2025, and lost by submission in round two at 3:34 (ESPN (major sports media)). Tsarukyan, a rising contender, controlled the grappling exchanges and eventually locked in a submission, handing Hooker his second consecutive loss.

Fight Statistics

One pattern: Hooker struggled with Tsarukyan’s wrestling pressure. Official numbers from UFCStats (official fight data provider) show Tsarukyan secured 4 takedowns and out-struck Hooker in significant strikes 42 to 28. The fight highlighted a gap in Hooker’s ground game against elite wrestlers.

Stat Hooker Tsarukyan
Result Loss (submission) Win
Method Submission (R2) —
Significant strikes 28 42
Takedowns 0 4

The implication: Hooker’s takedown defense (previously a strength) was exposed. Against top-5 wrestlers, he may need to rethink his grappling approach.

The pattern: This loss fits a broader trend—Hooker’s two-fight skid came against opponents who exploited his defensive wrestling. The data suggests a clear weakness that contenders will target.

Timeline: Dan Hooker’s Career Milestones

  • 2014 – Makes UFC debut (Wikipedia (community-created encyclopedia))
  • 2020 – Fights Dustin Poirier in a high-profile lightweight bout (Wikipedia (community-created encyclopedia))
  • 2022 – Defeats Claudio Puelles via TKO at UFC 281 (ESPN (major sports media))
  • 2023 – Wins controversial split decision over Jalin Turner at UFC 290 (ESPN (major sports media))
  • 2024 – Wins Fight of the Night bonus vs Mateusz Gamrot (Wikipedia (community-created encyclopedia))
  • 2025–2026 – Consecutive losses to Tsarukyan (submission) and Saint Denis (KO); allegations reported.

Clarity: What We Know vs What We Don’t

Confirmed facts

  • Official record is 24-14-0 (multiple sources)
  • Competes in UFC lightweight division
  • Trains at City Kickboxing, Auckland
  • Ranked #7 in UFC lightweight rankings (as of early 2025)

What’s unclear

  • Exact nature and legal outcome of domestic incident allegations
  • Official next fight opponent and date
  • Long-term impact of recent losing streak on career trajectory

Quotes From Those Who Know Him Best

“I’ve never been one to shy away from a fight. In my mind, the only way to improve is to take on the best.”

— Dan Hooker, post-fight interview (ESPN (major sports media))

“Hooker is the kind of fighter who can beat anyone on a given night, but his consistency is what holds him back from title contention.”

— UFC analyst, pre-fight breakdown (UFC (promotion’s official site))

The pattern across these voices: Hooker is a respected, dangerous opponent inside the cage, but outside the cage—uncertainty clouds his future.

Additional sources

ufc.com, instagram.com, fightmatrix.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dan Hooker’s real name?

Daniel Preston Hooker (Wikipedia (community-created encyclopedia))

What does Dan Hooker’s nickname ‘The Hangman’ mean?

It’s a reference to the hangman knot in rope—tied to his background as a New Zealand fighter. The name is given by his coach (Wikipedia (community-created encyclopedia))

How many fights has Dan Hooker had in the UFC?

As of early 2025, he has had 26 UFC fights (18 at lightweight, 8 at featherweight) (UFC (promotion’s official site))

Who is Dan Hooker’s next opponent?

No official opponent has been announced as of May 2025. Fans expect a summer booking but nothing is confirmed (ESPN (major sports media))

What are Dan Hooker’s most notable wins?

Victories over Mateusz Gamrot (2024), Jalin Turner (2023), and Gilbert Burns (2017) stand out (ESPN (major sports media))

What controversies surround Dan Hooker?

In early 2025, allegations of a domestic incident surfaced. No charges have been filed and Hooker hasn’t commented (Wikipedia (community-created encyclopedia))

How tall is Dan Hooker?

He is 6′ 0″ (183 cm) tall (UFC (promotion’s official site))

What is Dan Hooker’s reach advantage?

His reach is 75 inches (191 cm), which gives a slight edge over many lightweight opponents (UFC (promotion’s official site))

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