Dan Hooker jokingly explains going hard on IShowSpeed in sparring session: "Had to for the rubbish haka"

UFC lightweight fighter Dan Hooker’s sparring session with internet sensation IShowSpeed has gone viral, trending across the internet after being streamed live on Speed’s YouTube channel. Many MMA fans were stunned by the session, as Hooker showed no mercy and went all out against the YouTuber. ‘The Hangman’ has now explained why he decided to go full throttle during the sparring match.

Speed, known for his shocking and bizarre antics to stay trending, has done many outrageous stunts, such as jumping over cars and taking an RKO from Randy Orton. On his recent trip to New Zealand, he challenged lightweight fighter Hooker to a sparring session.

The YouTuber attempted to grapple with Hooker, but it didn’t work. Hooker responded by throwing punches at Speed's body, leaving the internet sensation on the ground, covering his head.

MMA journalist Oscar Willis has now shared the sparring session video of Hooker and Speed on his Instagram. The lightweight fighter replied to the post, revealing why he went all out on Speed, commenting:

“Had to for the rubbish haka (laughing emoji).”

Check out the screenshot of Dan Hooker’s comment below:

Dan Hooker's comment

‘The Hangman’ last stepped into the octagon at UFC 305 against Mateusz Gamrot in a back-and-forth fight, securing the victory via split decision.

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Dan Hooker plans to return to octagon early next year

Dan Hooker recently revealed his plans of returning to the octagon during an interview with Ariel Helwani on his YouTube channel.

The rumors had been circulating that he might fight Conor McGregor after the two were spotted together in Spain at a BKFC event. Addressing the rumors and discussing his potential next fight, Hooker said:

"It's a fight that makes a lot of sense for him and makes a lot of sense for me and we're, obviously, both keen on the fight. I don't know what's going on with him behind the scenes. I don't know what's going on with him and the UFC and their relationship so that's all I can say. Since that rumor started going around, people are like, 'don't wait, don't be another Michael Chandler'. That's not the plan. I'm fighting early next year."

He continued:

"I told the UFC either January or March and it will be someone in the top five or Conor McGregor. That will be who I'll be stepping inside the cage with come January or March next year.”

Check out Dan Hooker’s comments below: