Dan Hooker Refuses to Chase Paddy Pimblett Fight: ‘I Still Want to Kick His Head In’

The world of MMA is never short on drama, but some rivalries have a way of standing out above the rest.

One such rivalry exists between Dan Hooker and Paddy Pimblett.

From verbal jabs to back-and-forth social media exchanges, the two have been circling each other for a while.

However, despite expressing a deep desire to “kick his head in,” Dan Hooker has made it clear that he won’t chase the fight with Paddy Pimblett—at least not for the reasons most might expect.

In a recent interview, Hooker was candid about his feelings toward the rising star.

Pimblett, with his brash attitude and social media presence, has made a name for himself in the UFC.

But for all the hype, Hooker believes that Pimblett still has a long way to go before earning a spot in the upper echelons of the lightweight division.

While the animosity between the two is real, Hooker made it clear that, while he still has the urge to put Pimblett in his place, he’s not willing to chase the fight—at least not in the way people might think.

“Look, I still want to kick his head in, there’s no doubt about that.

But I’m not in the business of chasing fights.

I’ve been in the UFC long enough to know how this game works,” Hooker said.

“I’m not here to chase anyone, and I’m not here to chase hype.

If it happens, it happens.

I’ll put him in his place when it’s time.

“The words from Hooker hit with a certain sharpness, a sentiment that echoed his frustration with the hype train surrounding Paddy Pimblett.

Hooker has been around for years, battling the best in the division, and for him, Pimblett’s rise to fame has come too fast—too easily—without the type of battles that have defined Hooker’s career.

To him, Pimblett still has a lot to prove, and Hooker isn’t interested in a fight just because of the noise or the attention surrounding it.

For Dan Hooker, a fighter who’s been in the grind for years, it’s all about respect.

The fighters at the top have earned their spots through countless wars in the cage, facing the best of the best.

Pimblett, though entertaining and talented, hasn’t had that same type of experience.

His meteoric rise has drawn a lot of attention, but Hooker is determined to let the hype train come to him—he’s not chasing it.

While many would see this as Hooker dismissing Pimblett or possibly overlooking the potential of such a fight, Hooker clarified that he’s still very much open to the bout.

It’s just that he doesn’t need Pimblett in his sights to find motivation.

“I’m not about going out of my way to get fights.

The fights will come.

I’ve been around this sport long enough to know that.

If Pimblett gets a chance to prove himself and earn that spot, I’ll be right there,” he added.

The words are a reminder of the fierce veteran spirit that drives Dan Hooker.

This isn’t about chasing clout or riding on the coattails of someone else’s hype.

For him, it’s about fighting for something more substantial—something earned in the trenches, not handed out to those who haven’t yet earned it.

But while Hooker may not be actively pursuing the fight, he’s far from backing down from it.

If Pimblett continues to rise and position himself as a top contender, then, according to Hooker, it’s inevitable.

“If he keeps winning, it’s going to happen.

But it has to make sense.

I’m not interested in a hype fight for the sake of it.

If he’s next in line, I’ll take that fight and put him in his place,” he said with a clear resolve.

This mentality could serve Hooker well, especially in a sport where fighters are often caught up in the chase for attention and fame.

As Pimblett continues to gain fans with his charismatic personality, his brash antics, and his growing win streak, it’s clear that Hooker sees beyond the surface-level drama.

For him, it’s about real competition and respect.

He’s not interested in a flashy bout that only serves to boost profiles; he wants a fight that is earned and respected by both fighters and fans.

It’s this sense of integrity that drives Hooker’s approach to his career.

He’s seen it all, and for him, the true challenge lies in facing those who have proven their worth, not just their ability to generate hype.

So, while Paddy Pimblett may continue to call out the biggest names in the sport, Dan Hooker is content to stand back and wait for the fight to come to him.

If the UFC sees it as the right fight, and if Pimblett earns his spot, then Hooker will be ready to step in the cage and deliver the message he’s been wanting to send: this is still his division, and no amount of hype will take that away.