'Going straight onto a stretcher': UFC star Dan Hooker's wild admission ahead of next fight
UFC star Dan Hooker has made a wild prediction ahead of his next fight, claiming he will be "going straight onto a stretcher" whether he wins or loses.
The popular Auckland native is chasing a fourth-straight victory inside the octagon, placing himself firmly in the mix for a future shot at the lightweight title.
Hooker (24-12) has made a name as one of the toughest competitors in the world and will need every bit of that toughness when he takes on Justin Gaethje next month.
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A former BMF title holder and one of the best strikers in the division, Gaethje poses a real threat to the Kiwi star in what promises to be a bloody five-round battle.
In an interview with ESPN earlier this week, Hooker was asked how he saw things going against his American rival and gave an incredibly honest answer.
Dan Hooker in action last year. Getty
"I know full well, 100 per cent that the fight is gonna end no matter whether his arm gets raised, my arm gets raised, and then I'm going straight on to a stretcher," he said.
"Straight into the back of an ambulance and I'm going to the hospital. I've come to terms that's how this night is gonna end ... I've embraced that.
"If someone's not ready to go to the lengths that I'm willing to go to, then they're gonna have a hard night."
Hooker is currently the sixth-ranked UFC lightweight contender - two spots behind Gaethje, who hasn't fought since a spectacular knockout loss against Max Holloway.
The bout will act as the co-main event for UFC 313, which will be headlined by light-heavyweight champ Alex Pereira against Magomed Ankalaev on March 9 (AEDT).
