Dustin Poirier’s Actually Not Down With People Looking Past Dan Hooker

Dustin Poirier is set to throw hands with Dan Hooker this Saturday at the UFC’s latest event. But, if you think the “Diamond’s” going to cruise to victory, it looks like Poirier doesn’t want to hear it.

Poirier reminds folks Hooker is “dangerous”

The lightweight contenders are booked to fight in the headliner of UFC Vegas 4, which will take place at the Apex Facility. 

Although Hooker has gone 7-1 since 2016, and has defeated names like Jim Miller, Gilbert Burns, Al Iaquinta and Paul Felder, apparently some folks believe Poirier’s going to walk through the surging fighter. Well, while talking about that with MMA Junkie recently, Poirier said this.

“I don’t like that, honestly,” Poirier said. “This guy is dangerous. This guy is a top opponent a top-five ranked fighter in the UFC for a reason.

I don’t look past anybody. This guy is the only thing I’m focused on right now. 25 minutes with Hooker and we’ll see what happens.

I don’t like the fact that fans and stuff are just passing him over because this is a dangerous guy I’ve been preparing very seriously for.”

Yup, Poirier would be wise to not look past Hooker. Not only is the New Zealander fighter a ridiculously talented strikers, he’s also dangerous with chokes as well. 

That said, it’s not surprising really that Poirier’s the favorite on the betting lines. After all, he’s a former interim champ, he has heavy hands, good boxing, and he’s also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. 

Poirier’s ready to return

Saturday’s bout will mark the first time Poirier has fought since he was submitted by the reigning champ, Khabib Nurmagomedov in September. Immediately after the loss, it sounded like Poirier might walk away from fighting.

But, eventually, the rugged vet got the itch to fight again, and here we are. While talking about his pending return, the 31-year-old said this.

“I’ve always just submerged myself in work when I’ve lost before and just drowned everything out with hard work,” Poirier said. “This particular loss was the biggest loss of my career and also I had to get sidelined.

I couldn’t just jump back in the gym and drown everything out. I had to think and sit on the couch and just watch everybody else fight.

So it was more of just a mental training. I feel mentally stronger.”

It will be interesting to see how Poirier looks against Hooker. It’s a massive fight for both men. Poirier needs a win to remain in the title shot mix. Hooker, meanwhile, will jump into that mix if he can defeat the “Diamond”.