Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson have one thing in common - they're top 5 Lightweights who are coming off a defeat. For Dan Hooker, it was a three-fight win streak that was snapped at the hands of former title challenger Dustin Poirier, while Tony Ferguson lost his first fight since 2012.
Dan Hooker revealed post-fight that he wants to face Tony Ferguson. While it might seem like a mismatch, many fans felt the same about Dustin Poirier. However, it turned out to be a lot closer than people expected, with Poirier only gaining a clear-cut advantage in the later rounds.
Dana White was asked about the possibility of booking a Dan Hooker-Tony Ferguson fight. He said that he'll get Dan Hooker "taken care of" but his focus is elsewhere now (H/T MMA News):
“Can Hooker fight Ferguson? I don’t know, we’ll see,” White said. “He put on an incredible performance in his last fight. He looked great and we’ll get you figured out Dan, I promise. Like I said, I’m not making fights right now. I’m still over here [Fight Island] doing what I’m doing here.”
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Is Dan Hooker vs Tony Ferguson the fight to make now?
There could be an argument made that Dustin Poirier vs Tony Ferguson would be a better fight than having Dan Hooker in the mix. Despite his loss, we mustn't forget that Tony Ferguson lost after eight years. Poirier vs Ferguson as the #1 contender's fight would be the way to go. Though it's hard to imagine Dustin Poirier getting a title shot if Khabib Nurmagomedov remains the Lightweight Champion.
For Dan Hooker, he might have to fight a rank or two below him, but he proved that he belongs among the elite in the 155-pound division.