Dan Hooker Photo: Photosport
New Zealand martial arts fighter Dan Hooker has undergone surgery on his left hand after withdrawing from Saturday's co-main event lightweight fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.
Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) withdrew from the fight last month, disclosing a fractured hand in a video with his daughter posted on YouTube.
He said the injury occurred when he hit the top of the head of his sparring partner with his knuckle.
New Zealand fighter Dan Hooker after surgery on his hand, 2025. Photo: supplied / Instagram
Hooker took to social media again on Monday night, sharing a picture on Instagram from a hospital bed with his surgically-repaired hand.
His message simpley said "BRB" a shortened version of "be right back".
The 35-year-old Hooker is on a three-fight win streak. He last fought in August, beating Mateusz Gamrot in Australia to extend his winning streak to three fights. However, he will not get to face Gaethje (25-5, 8-5) on Saturday, with Rafael Fiziev (12-3, 6-3) stepping in.
It a rematch of a fight Gaethje won by majority decision at UFC 286.
It will also mark Gaethje's first return to the Octagon since the 36-year-old was knocked out by Max Holloway in the fifth round at UFC 300 in Las Vegas.
The main event of the UFC 313 card is a light heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev.
- Reuters
