Dan Hooker Signs Record UFC Deal
Lightweight contender Dan Hooker revealed he'll 'probably' be the highest-paid UFC lightweight after signing a new five-fight deal. This signals the UFC's willingness to invest heavily in popular, action-oriented fighters who consistently deliver entertaining bouts.
Dan Hooker's new contract follows a turbulent period in his career, with a record of three wins and three losses in his last six fights. He holds a victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in August 2024 but suffered subsequent losses to Arman Tsarukyan in November 2025 and Benoît Saint Denis in January 2026. Currently ranked #8 in the UFC lightweight division, Hooker remains a prominent figure in one of the promotion's most competitive weight classes. His overall professional record stands at 24 wins and 14 losses, with a UFC-specific record of 14 wins and 10 losses. Known for his crowd-pleasing fighting style, "The Hangman" has earned numerous performance bonuses. He has secured three "Performance of the Night" awards and has been part of three "Fight of the Night" winning bouts, including his recent match against Mateusz Gamrot. While the exact figures of his new deal are undisclosed, Hooker's earnings have been substantial. For his fight at UFC Qatar in November 2025, he was set to receive a guaranteed $400,000. His earnings are among the highest on the cards he fights on, receiving top-tier promotional compliance pay. This new five-fight deal ensures the 36-year-old New Zealander will remain a key player in the lightweight division for the foreseeable future. A veteran of the promotion since 2014, Hooker trains at the acclaimed City Kickboxing gym alongside teammates like former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Kai Kara-France.
