Dan Hooker pulls out from UFC 313 co-main event against Justin Gaethje, here's why

The co-main event would have featured Dan Hooker and Justin Gaethje on 13 May for UFC 313 in Las Vegas, but Hooker broke his left-hand bone. In a YouTube recording featuring his daughter, Hooker said he was injured and could no longer fight just weeks before the event.

Hooker’s Injury Revealed in Family Video

In a public family video, Hooker revealed the injury to his fans in a conversation with his daughter.

"Dad had a fight, or was supposed to have a fight," said Hooker. "But I busted my paw."

Later questioning with Sky Sports New Zealand, he confirmed just how awful the injury was: "It's a fracture in my left hand. Devastated doesn't cover it. This was a huge opportunity."

Ranked No. 6 in the UFC lightweight division, Hooker (24-12) is on a three-fight winning streak - beating Gaethje would have positioned Hooker as a top title contender.

Gaethje’s Next Move Uncertain
Justin Gaethje (25-5) is now faced with an unclear path after losing to Max Holloway in a thrilling 'BMF' title fight at UFC 300 in April 2024. The UFC has yet to announce if Gaethje would stay on UFC 313 with a co-main replacement or will be pushed to a later event.

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1. Rafael Fiziev, number 11 (12-3): Has been inactive since last September and is nursing injuries, but has expressed a desire for a rematch against Gaethje, whom he lost to in 2023.
2. Renato Moicano, No. 10, and Mateusz Gamrot, No. 8, have also thrown their hats in the ring.

Fiziev's callout is the one that stands out because he is after the chance to settle the score with Gaethje, whom he refers to as "unfinished business."

Topuria, Alvarez Unlikely Fill-In Options
Topuria and Alvarez will share a weight class but will not be expected to step in directly for Hooker.
- Topuria: Looking to enter higher-profile matchups.
- Alvarez: Staying in camp, not ready to cut weight in time. Sources indicate he's making a May return for UFC 315, against Benoît Saint-Denis.

What’s Next for UFC 313?
Without an opponent for Gaethje in the co-main event, it leaves UFC officials with a quick turnaround to secure a fitting opponent or change the fight card altogether. All eyes remain glued to the rapidly dwindling momentum of the event.