Paddy Pimblett: Dan Hooker 'could be a nice fight for me in the future'

Paddy Pimblett sees Dan Hooker as a potential fight down the line.

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) outlasted Mateusz Gamrot in a Fight of the Night effort at UFC 305 in Perth. With the win, “The Hangman” entered the UFC’s top five lightweight rankings, and revealed that the promotion is interested in booking him against former champion Charles Oliveira next.

During a watch-along on his YouTube channel, Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) was surprised to see Hooker be that big of an underdog.

“I agree with Gamrot being a favorite. I don’t know about a big favorite – Dan Hooker’s fought a much higher-caliber of fighter,” Pimblett said. “Even though he lost a few, he lost a few to some of the best fighters in the world. I could end up fighting one of these, couldn’t I?”

Right before the scorecards were read, Pimblett accurately predicted that Hooker would get his hand raised. Pimblett, who just entered the 155-pound rankings after quickly submitting King Green at UFC 304, sees Hooker as an exciting fight.

“Fight of the Night so far of what I’ve watched,” Pimblett said. “Let’s see the decision anyway. I reckon Hooker, lad, to be honest … Dan Hooker back in the top five: could be a nice fight for me in the future.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 305.