Dan Hooker Had “Too Much Bloody Fun” in Thrilling Loss to Dustin Poirier

Dan Hooker threw down in one of the greatest fights in recent memory last Saturday, when he battled Dustin Poirier. While the lightweight contender is praising Poirier for his world-class abilities, ‘The Hangman’ believes he was having too much fun in the bloody war.

Hooker plans to fight more strategically

The New Zealand fighter dished out plenty of shots during the 25-minute war, but Hooker also absorbed more, and he lost the thrilling battle via decision. While Hooker’s stock certainly didn’t take a hit from the fight, and the end of the day, it was a pivotal defeat.

If Hooker and won the fight, he would be knocking on the title shot door. Following the bout, the contender spoke with ‘Submission Radio’.

During the interview, Hooker acknowledged that Poirier is a ridiculously talented fighter, but he also believes he let his gameplan get away from him (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Yeah, it was a bit if fun,” Hooker said. “Now I know what (Justin) Gaethje was on about when he was like, ‘I was having too much fun fighting Dustin.’ Like, he just got carried away.

He’s a fun guy to fight. Like, he’s talking to his corner, he’s talking to you, I started talking back. Like, it just got carried away. I got carried away having too much bloody fun.”

Yup. Against a talented fighter like Poirier, you can’t afford to act recklessly for a second. Hooker also relayed that moving forward, he plans to fight more strategically.

“I said that to Eugene when we got to the hospital after the fight, I said, ‘(expletive), I’ve got a hard head,’” Hooker said, while referring to his coach, Eugene Bareman. “And he’s like, ‘Didn’t you already know that?’ He’s like, ‘Did you have to check that again and not realize that by now?’ I’m done. I’m done. I’ve realized it now, from now on, we’re fighting smart. Starting from now.”

It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming months and fights for Hooker.

Who’s next?

And who could Hooker be thinking about employing a more tactical approach against?  The 30-year-old is targeting a bout with Tony Ferguson or Charles Oliveira.

“I’ve got my eyes on who I want to fight next, and I think it’s either gonna be Tony or it’s gonna be Oliveira,” Hooker said. “

I think either one of those fights is another main event. But then, Oliveira, he’s getting carried away calling out Poirier and calling out Conor (McGregor), and he’s beating around the bush, trying to say anyone expect me or Tony.”

Either of those match-ups would be outstanding. You have to wonder, however, if Ferguson might get the call to face Poirier next.