Justin Gaethje is ready to get back to work.
The former interim UFC lightweight champion and one-time “BMF” champion revealed that he’s started training and preparing for a return to action on March 8 at UFC 313, which is expected to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While Gaethje admitted nothing has been finalized yet, he mentioned the name of his potential opponent with the fight already just eight weeks away.
“So there’s no official fight signed but I told the UFC maybe two or three months ago that March was the date I was looking for,” Gaethje said on his YouTube channel. “I know there’s a fight March 8 in Las Vegas so that’s the one I told them I wanted to be on. I think they’re figuring out fights right now but I’m certainly mentally preparing, physically preparing to fight on that date.
“I think it’s going to be Dan Hooker but with the UFC, things can always change. But that’s what I’m preparing for, mentally, physically for that fight March 8. So back to work. Feeling good, ready to go.”
Gaethje vs. Hooker makes perfect sense given the lay of the land in the lightweight division. Based on the UFC’s internal rankings, Gaethje sits at No. 3 while Hooker is behind him at No. 6 but neither fighter has been booked recently so that matchup seems reasonable.
Hooker most recently fought this past August at UFC 305 when he scored a split decision over Mateusz Gamrot to extend his overall win streak to three in a row. Hooker also picked up a split decision over Jalin Turner to continue his climb up the rankings at 155 pounds.
As for Gaethje, the always exciting lightweight hasn’t made an appearance since UFC 300 when he suffered a brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway in a stunning conclusion when they faced off for the “BMF” title this past April. Gaethje ended up falling in the final second of the fight and then took time off afterwards to recover from the knockout.
Now it appears Gaethje is ready to resume his career with a fight against Hooker most likely serving as his return to the octagon.
“Coming off a knockout, I’m really excited to get back to training,” Gaethje said. “When you take a loss like that as competitive as we are, it lights a fire under your ass and we’re getting back to work.”
Should be for the gatekeeper championship belt with Donald Cerrone presenting the belt.
I’m taking a hooker even though both of them are punchy
You spelled CTE wrong
Great fight! I’m picking Justin but wouldn’t he surprised if Hooker wins this. Hooker has looked great lately and has some momentum coming into this fight.
Gaethje for the win!
Max Holloway to the rescue. He will not only save this fight, he will save this card!