Dan Hooker withdraws from Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 313 due to injury

Dan Hooker will not compete at UFC 313 after suffering a hand injury, according to reports. The New Zealand lightweight was scheduled to face Justin Gaethje in a highly anticipated five-round clash on March 8.

Hooker’s withdrawal was first reported by MMA journalist Benny P on X, confirming his injury and exit from the event. The UFC has not yet announced a replacement for Gaethje.

Hooker, who previously acknowledged the physical toll of facing Gaethje, had told ESPN Australia, “I know full well, 100 percent that no matter whether his arm gets raised, my arm gets raised, I’m going straight on a stretcher.”

Gaethje, known for his aggressive style, now awaits word from the UFC on a potential new opponent. With just under two weeks until UFC 313, the promotion faces a challenge in finding a suitable replacement on short notice.

The UFC has yet to issue an official statement regarding Hooker’s withdrawal.