Dan Hooker Withdraws from UFC 313 Fight Due to Hand Injury

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 25, 2025 — Dan Hooker has officially withdrawn from his scheduled five-round fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313, which is set for March 8, due to a hand injury. Hooker announced the setback during a YouTube video shared with his daughter.

In the video, Hooker, 24-12 in his MMA career, expressed his disappointment, stating, “Dad had a fight, or was supposed to have a fight, but I’ve busted my paw.” The UFC has yet to issue a statement regarding Hooker’s injury, nor has it confirmed whether Gaethje, 25-5, will remain on the fight card.

The lightweight bout was originally slated to co-headline UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, alongside a light heavyweight title fight featuring champion Alex Pereira against Magomed Ankalaev. Hooker’s injury complicates an already tumultuous pre-fight buildup; just days prior, he revealed that the matchup had been reduced from five rounds to three at Gaethje’s request.

During a post-fight press conference on Feb. 22, UFC CEO Dana White expressed uncertainty over the situation, leaving fans and fighters alike in suspense. The matchup had been highly anticipated, with both fighters known for their striking and tenacity inside the octagon.

Fiziev, who previously faced Gaethje in a March 2023 bout that ended in a majority decision victory for Gaethje, has reportedly volunteered to step in for Hooker. This potential replacement adds to the drama surrounding the event.

Hooker, who has a history of engaging in highly competitive fights, acknowledged the risks of entering the cage with an injured hand. In past statements, he emphasized the importance of making smart career decisions, particularly in high-stakes matchups.

“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,” Hooker said in an earlier interview. “I’ve come to terms with that—that’s how this night is gonna end, baby.”

As of now, the fight card for UFC 313 remains strong, but the potential absence of Hooker raises questions about the event’s drawing power. The UFC is reportedly exploring options for Gaethje’s opponent as the date draws nearer, with possibilities including Mateusz Gamrot, Renato Moicano, and Beneil Dariush as contenders for the vacant spot.

The MMA community holds its breath as details continue to unfold. Whether the promotion will reschedule Hooker and Gaethje’s highly anticipated bout remains to be seen, but the uncertainty has left fans eager for updates.