In a sport filled with warriors, very few have earned the title of being a true savage quite like Dan “The Hangman” Hooker. The New Zealand native and City Kickboxing standout has become a fan favorite not just because he wins, but because of how he fights — with zero fear, endless grit, and a heart that refuses to quit.

Dan Hooker doesn’t back down.
He walks into fire and swings harder.

 Fearless in the Fire: A Resume of Chaos

From wars with elite lightweights to stepping up on short notice against monsters, Hooker’s UFC run has been nothing short of legendary:

vs. Dustin Poirier (2020): One of the greatest fights in UFC history. Five rounds of violence, heart, and willpower. Hooker took Poirier to the brink — and never stopped coming forward.

vs. Paul Felder (2020): A technical, bloody brawl in Auckland. Hooker edged out a razor-close split decision in front of his home crowd, fighting through exhaustion and pain.

vs. Jalin Turner (2023): After nearly getting finished in round 1 with a broken arm and orbital fracture, Hooker stormed back and won the fight on grit and toughness alone. Turner was the rising killer — but Hooker was unbreakable.

“He doesn’t have an off switch. He’s a psycho in there — in the best way.”
– Israel Adesanya

 IQ & Violence: More Than a Brawler

What makes Dan Hooker even scarier is that he’s not just reckless. He’s a calculated, high-IQ striker with:

A dangerous knee game from the clinch

Slick counters, especially off his jab and teep

Excellent use of range and timing

An underrated ground game that he rarely even needs

His durability is legendary, but his technique is underrated.

“People talk about his heart. They forget — this guy is a sniper when he’s calm.”
– Eugene Bareman, Head Coach, City Kickboxing

 No Excuses. No Fear. No Ducking.

Dan Hooker is the type of fighter who will:

Take a short-notice fight on another continent

Fight a top contender with injuries

Accept matchups that others avoid

While many carefully manage their careers, Hooker chases chaos — because that’s where he thrives.

“I don’t care who it is, where it is, or when it is.
I just want to fight the best. That’s it.”
– Dan Hooker, post-fight interview

The Price of Being a Savage

Being fearless comes at a cost. Hooker’s taken damage. He’s had setbacks. But even in defeat, he earns something most fighters never do:

Respect.

Because fans know — win or lose — if Hooker’s on the card, it’s going to be a war.

Final Word

Dan Hooker isn’t just one of the toughest fighters in the UFC.
He’s the embodiment of what it means to be a savage in the Octagon.

He doesn’t fight safe.
He doesn’t fight scared.
He fights like every second matters — because to him, it does.

The Hangman doesn’t just fight opponents. He drags them into deep waters — and dares them to survive.

And more often than not… they don’t.