Dan Hooker scoffs at critics of his viral yard brawls event: ‘Now I’ve to do it’ extra

[ad_1] Dan Hooker cannot presently compete in sanctioned fight, however that does not imply he cannot manage a yard tussle or two.

Though the MMA world took a collective break this previous Memorial Day weekend, the vacation did not cease the top-ranked UFC light-weight contender from placing on fights at his house. Final Saturday, Hooker invited 32 males to his New Zealand yard, taking the web by storm with a winner-take-all event of one-minute brawls.

Commercial

Talking on Wednesday's version of "The Ariel Helwani Present," Hooker defined how this wild, throwback idea materialized.

"I received contacted some time again by a loopy Russian combat present, made my means out to Thailand the place they'd put it on in, like, a warehouse," Hooker mentioned. "They introduced me out to host it. So I introduced a pair fighters with me from New Zealand, however I had nothing to do with the group or type of planning that occasion. Then I simply noticed how they received down. They'd 32-man, one-minute fights. I took the thought and I noticed how you may run it smoother — or how I might do it, ?"

Hooker, 35, has solely shared a gentle drip of clips from the occasion over the previous few days, however plans to add the complete hour-long event this Friday.

Commercial

Coping with a damaged hand, Hooker has been on the mend since his harm pressured him out of a scheduled matchup in opposition to Justin Gaethje in March. He just lately underwent a profitable surgical procedure and hopes to return by September or October.

In the meantime, Hooker's having enjoyable watching fights as carefully as one can get with out bodily being concerned. The one-minute yard fights allowed punches solely, and every combat had judges, a medic and a referee to maintain issues organized. Out of all of the bouts, Hooker mentioned just one actual harm occurred when somebody damage their arm. The restricted guidelines included a three-second knockdown rule and a TKO loss if knocked down twice. Everybody obtained $1,000 to compete, with the winner taking house $50,000.

"I simply put a video up on Instagram, and folks messaged me," Hooker mentioned of discovering opponents. "I simply type of seemed by. You spend sufficient time, you understand how to filter by every part.

Commercial

"It is only a man with an iPhone and a dream. I knew that everybody would assume it was loopy. I knew that there can be individuals who had points with it, so I needed to match[make] it — I needed it at my home so I may management it. I had some superb individuals step as much as the plate."

Controlling the festivities was a vital a part of the night for Hooker. What seemed like a bunch of pals throwing down within the yard may simply entice problematic consideration — and it did from some.

Hooker initially hadn't put a lot thought into persevering with the idea for a number of iterations, nonetheless the minor complaints he is obtained since have acted solely as gas to hold on reasonably than cease.

Commercial

"Deter me? I really feel such as you're now — you have challenged me now," Hooker mentioned of detractors. "I used to be going to go away it. There's individuals attempting to cease me? Now I've to do it. Now I am unbound and compelled to pursue it.

"As soon as everybody watches the total 45 minutes and simply sees the respect for all of the fighters that is proven to one another, you see that it is simply a few guys who find yourself placing gloves on within the yard. When did having a punch-out along with your mates change into unlawful? Since when was {that a} crime? And it is being run by a number of the most skilled fight sports activities individuals within the nation. Hundreds of fights, medically educated. If that is unlawful, then they have higher issues to do."