Dan Hooker explains viral "I love this sh*t" corner moment at UFC 305: "I wasn't keeping track of the fight anymore"

Dan Hooker's return to the octagon at UFC 305 was marked by a thrilling split-decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot. Beyond the fight itself, a particular moment during the bout captured the attention of fans worldwide.

Following a wild round, Hooker's cornermen were seen tending to cuts and giving him advice, and the Kiwi fighter could be heard shouting:

"Boys, I love this sh*t!"

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Hooker shed light on the emotions behind that exclamation.

"That's where most guys fold... Like that stage of the fight where most guys freeze and most guys break."

The fighter admitted that he had lost track of the fight itself at that point, no longer worrying about the result or the scorecards.

"I just kind of... Yeah, I appreciate it being in that moment. It's fun bro, 15,000 people screaming at you. You're exhausted, the other guy's exhausted. You're bleeding, you're cut, you couldn't be more like that... The outcome of the fight had completely gone... Just had fun in round three and performed the way I did is cause I'm in my happy place."

Check out Dan Hooker's comments below:

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A look into Dan Hooker's UFC journey

Dan Hooker has been a key figure in the UFC's lightweight division for over a decade. Since his debut in 2014, the New Zealand native has faced some of the best fighters in the world and has made a lasting impact on the promotion.

Hooker's time in the UFC has been characterized by both victories and setbacks. He has achieved notable wins against high-profile opponents such as Paul Felder, Al Iaquinta, and Jim Miller.

While 'The Hangman' has encountered setbacks in his career, including losses to Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev, his outstanding 'FOTN' performance against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 cemented his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.