Dan Hooker has no interest in helping Salahdine Parnasse launch a dream UFC debut. Instead, the veteran lightweight plans to silence the hometown crowd when they meet in the main event of UFC Fight Night 287 on Sept. 5 at the Accor Arena in Paris.
Parnasse enters the UFC as a former two-division KSW champion, but Hooker says he has no intention of becoming the newcomer’s breakthrough victory.
Hooker embraces spoiler role
Hooker told Submission Radio that he believes Parnasse sees this fight as the perfect opportunity to make an immediate impact in the lightweight division. The New Zealander plans to crush those expectations.
“This kid wants to come in, make a name for himself, crack the top 10, he wants to be a superstar. Well, I’m going to fly to France, and I’m going to f*ck everyone’s night up.”
“I’m here to ruin hopes and dreams.”
The matchup marks another trip to hostile territory for Hooker, who has built a reputation for taking on difficult challenges regardless of the setting.
Death Threats From Unruly Fans
Hooker has fought in France before, suffering a stoppage loss to Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 325. This time, however, he says the reaction from fans has been far more intense.
“The death threats have been outrageous.”
“I didn’t get it when I fought BSD. French people have been speaking French and telling me I’m going to die and telling me they’re going to kill me.”
A risky fight with plenty on the line
Hooker understands the risk of facing an unranked opponent with plenty of momentum. He pointed to his own experience against Michael Chandler, whose UFC debut victory over him led directly to a lightweight title opportunity. He believes the UFC called him because he is the only ranked fighter willing to accept the fight.
“I don’t feel like the UFC’s got it out for me.”
“I feel like they just kind of brought me this fight because I’m the only one dumb enough to fight a kid that’s unranked.”