Injuries are part and parcel of any combat sports athlete’s life. However, sometimes fighters end up putting their love for the game ahead of their own wellbeing. One such athlete is none other than the dynamite Dan Hooker.
Previously, it was revealed that Dan would be taking on Bobby Green in the co-main event of UFC Austin. According to sources, the bout would have been a 5 round non-title co-main, serving as the BMF title eliminator. Unfortunately, less than two weeks removed from the fight, Hooker has withdrawn due to injury.
Looks like a fresh surgery fixing ulna with plates and screws. If I’m the surgeon, I am not happy he has uncovered it from the usual splint protection after surgery.
— David Abbasi, MD (@DrDavidAbbasi) November 24, 2023
As it turns out, ‘The Hangman’ suffered a break in his right arm after firming a kick during sparring. Notably, the break is said to have occurred in the same spot where he suffered a break during his fight against Jalin Turner at UFC 290, only 4 months ago. Taking to social media, fight doctor David Abbasi shared his thoughts on the matter as well. As per his prognosis, Hooker made the grave mistake of uncovering the injury out of splint protection too early.
Previously, Hooker removed his cast only six days after his fight against Turner, in order to showcase the stitches on social media. Whilst it was a miracle that Hooker was cleared for UFC Austin in the first place, his eagerness to get back in action may have done more harm than good. In a routine interview with Submission Radio, Hooker revealed his arm in a cast, declaring his withdrawal.
Jalin Turner will replace Dan Hooker at UFC Austin
As such, the UFC soon followed suit, revealing that Hooker was out of his fight against Green. Further, UFC President Dana White named Hooker’s previous opponent, Jalin Turner as his replacement. Having amassed five consecutive finishes against his opposition, Turner then suffered back-to-back split decision losses to Mateusz Gamrot and Dan Hooker.
Following the news of Hooker’s withdrawal from UFC Austin, fans on social media discussed the injury he was recovering from. In what was a very brutal break in the ulna, the Aussie fighter also had stitches and other wounds. As such, fans reacted to the injury by writing, “Jeez that looks like some Frankenstein-ish“, and “Probably gonna leave a scar.” For the most part, Hooker has often been hailed for his commendable durability and warrior-like mentality.
Some Thanksgiving fight announcements. Happy Thanksgiving everybody! pic.twitter.com/wNDkaxQ0nB
— danawhite (@danawhite) November 23, 2023
In the past, Hooker has braved injury and short notices countless times, simply out of his love for the fans and the sport. Over the years he has also delivered some epic bangers, including his memorable fight against Dustin Poirier in 2020. Notably, Hooker willingly stepped up on short notice to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 267 as well. Moreover, Hooker had to pull out of his fight against Jalin Turner at UFC 285 due to a broken hand.
Currently, it is expected that Hooker will be out for some time. Having suffered back-to-back injuries to the same arm, he will have to take the time to properly heal. With that said, the 33-year-old has already revealed that he wishes to fight at UFC 300. Although he might not be cleared to fight until late next year, Hooker’s diehard fans will be eagerly awaiting his return.
