A coaching accident pulled Dan Hooker out of UFC 313.

Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) was scheduled to battle former interim light-weight champion Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in a five-round co-main occasion March 8 at T-Cellular Area in Las Vegas (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+), however he withdrew attributable to a hand harm.

“The Hangman” confirmed off his swollen left hand in an interview with Sky Sport New Zealand.

“One of many paws just isn’t doing too effectively,” Hooker stated. “I used to be sparring final evening, simply as I do, simply letting some hooks go, simply throwing some bombs down vary, and I simply caught one of many boys on the highest of the dome with my knuckle. I don’t suppose an excessive amount of of it, however they despatched me off to get a CT scan. Had a bit of CT scan, they usually advised me my hand is fractured.

“So yeah, I clearly nonetheless would battle (laughs), however with the medicals they squeeze your arms, so we’ll see the way it all performs out. We’ll see if we are able to kick this battle down the street, or we’ll simply wait and see.”

Hooker, who was anticipating a post-fight hospital go to after throwing down with Gaethje, expressed his frustration of getting to withdraw lower than two weeks away from the battle.

“It’s unlucky that it was this shut,” Hooker stated. “Clearly gutted for all of the followers that I do know that have been excited for this battle. That’s in all probability the principle factor, I feel. The Lords of Struggle weren’t glad, they usually took it away from you.”

Hooker is on a three-fight successful streak, the place he defeated Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and most just lately a Combat of the Night time over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 final August.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 313.