UFC fighter Dan Hooker is facing criticism after entering the promoting business.
Many fighters like Jorge Masvidal, Anthony Pettis, Chael Sonnen, Urijah Faber, and even Khabib Nurmagomedov have tried promotion, aiming for success similar to Dana White`s.
Hooker recently joined them, announcing a striking event called “King of the Streets” in New Zealand.
However, the plans for this event have drawn strong disapproval from boxing authorities.
Head of New Zealand Boxing Association Slams Dan Hooker`s `King of the Streets`
The “King of the Streets” event is planned for Saturday in Auckland, featuring a boxing tournament with MMA gloves and a $50,000 prize for the winner.
In promotional videos, Hooker, known as `The Hangman`, described the format: one-minute rounds with no weight limits.
The event also received promotion from Hooker`s teammate, UFC star Israel Adesanya.
Adesanya stated, “Bring the family, bring the whanau, bring everyone, come watch, you’ll get knocked out or knock someone the f*** out.”
Hooker claims many fighters are interested, even too many, but not everyone shares this excitement.
Speaking to Checkpoint, the president of the New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association heavily criticized the event, warning it could lead to serious injury or even death.
“The rules are a lot different [in boxing],” Billy Meehan said. “For starters we don’t do one-minute rounds. You’re saying to the guy in the corner get out and start smashing the other guy as best you can. Boxing is an art form; it’s a sport and this is straight-out thuggery.
“What you’ve got there is just thugs getting in there and going out and they’re just like absolutely smashing each other and we’re going to see somebody get seriously hurt, if not killed.
“It’s got to be sanctioned by a sanctioning body. They’re not even advertising where they’re holding this so the police obviously don’t even know.
“People who can hold boxing tournaments are actually listed on the Wrestling and Boxing Act. Dan Hooker’s not on the Wrestling and Boxing Act.”
Dan Hooker`s Reputation for Violence in the Octagon
Given Hooker`s history, convincing him to avoid combat sports violence might be difficult for boxing officials.
`The Hangman` is well-known for engaging in brawls and putting his body at risk in the UFC cage.
This was clear at International Fight Week in 2023, where despite facing immense difficulty, Hooker won a tough fight against Jalin Turner.
A severe arm break in the first round at UFC 290 in Las Vegas nearly cost him the win, but the resilient New Zealander fought on, securing victory on two scorecards.
Similar intense action would have likely occurred if Hooker`s planned fight with Justin Gaethje in March 2025 had happened.
However, a broken hand caused `The Hangman` to withdraw from UFC 313 at short notice, and the popular fighter is currently recovering with no scheduled return date.
Percy Harlow