The MMA gods have struck again with devastating precision! The explosive UFC 313 co-main event pitting Justin Gaethje against Dan Hooker has been shattered beyond repair. After boldly proclaiming he’d exit the Octagon “on a stretcher if necessary,” Hooker has ironically withdrawn before ever stepping foot into battle. As the MMA community buzzes with theories about his sudden exit, Gaethje—the division’s human highlight reel known for turning opponents’ faces into abstract art—finds himself in competitive purgatory. Breaking the news first, respected Australian MMA insider Bendaman reports that UFC brass is scrambling behind the scenes, leaving fans to wonder: Will another fighter step up to face the former interim champ’s legendary forward pressure, or will the UFC’s most violent attraction be removed from the card entirely?
Interestingly, it looks like Gaethje might have not one, but two potential replacements for his troubles. Show Me The Money podcast shared a post on Instagram featuring a tweet from Renato Moicano, who expressed his willingness to step in on short notice. The Brazilian took to X and wrote:
“Two weeks is good! I have enough time for 2 or 3 sparring sessions! I will be ready if they call!”
‘Money’ is no stranger to last-minute opportunities, having famously stepped up on just a day’s notice to face Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311. However, it remains to be seen if the UFC will turn to him again. Meanwhile, top 155fer Rafael Fiziev has also thrown his name into the mix. The 31-year-old has a score to settle with Gaethje, dating back to their electrifying clash at UFC 286, where ‘The Highlight’ secured a hard-fought decision victory. Now, Fiziev appears eager to run it back, taking to X to call for the rematch: “Let’s run it back @Justin_Gaethje.”
Fans were gearing up for an all-out war, but fate had other plans! Though details are still limited, reports have begun to surface, offering insight into why ‘The Hangman’ won’t be making the walk to the Octagon on March 8. But what exactly happened to the 35-year-old fighter that forced him out of the clash? Let us find out about it below.
Why was Dan Hooker forced out of his dance of violence at UFC 313 against Justin Gaethje?
Dan Hooker knew exactly what he was getting into at UFC 313. A five-round battle with Justin Gaethje was always going to be a fight worth remembering. And it seems Hooker was prepared to leave everything inside the Octagon during that fight. During one of his conversations with ESPN Australia, ‘The Hangman’ didn’t shy away from the brutal reality of the matchup, admitting, “I know full well, 100 percent, that no matter whose hand gets raised—his or mine—I’m going straight out on a stretcher.” However, it seems destiny had different plans as Hooker suffered from a hand injury just before the fight.
According to a tweet shared on X by MMA media outlet Spinnin Backfist, “Dan Hooker is out of UFC 313. Hand injury. Pain.” This isn’t the first time the New Zealander has been sidelined by injuries. Back in 2023, he was set to face Jalin Turner at UFC 285 in March but was forced to pull out due to a hand injury.
When the fight eventually took place at UFC 290 in July, Hooker battled his way to a gritty split-decision victory. But that win came at a steep price—he left the Octagon with a broken right arm. While Hooker’s camp has yet to release an official statement, speculation is already running rampant. Did he aggravate his previous hand injury? Or is it something even more serious?
One thing is certain! The highly anticipated clash with Gaethje, a fight fans had marked on their calendars, is no longer happening. Who do you think Justin Gaethje will be fighting next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Dana White’s UFC 313 Saved From Jeopardy as Justin Gaethje Gets 2 Opponents After Dan Hooker’s Pullout appeared first on EssentiallySports.