Dan Hooker knew signing up to headline in France would make him the villain. He didn’t expect death threats.
The New Zealand veteran steps into hostile territory to face highly touted prospect Salahdine Parnasse in his octagon debut, headlining UFC Paris on September 5 at the Accor Arena. Hooker has no issue playing spoiler, but he told Submission Radio he’s been taken aback by the volume of vile messages he’s received from French fans since the booking was announced.
The death threats have been outrageous. I didn’t get it when I fought [Benoit Saint Denis]. Like just the French people and speaking French telling me I’m going to die and telling me they’re going to kill me and —-.
Hooker noted the reaction is very different from his last trip into French territory, when he faced the well-liked Saint Denis at UFC 325 in February.
I feel like because he’s just such a respectful guy, the people that follow him or support him aren’t complete —- —-. But whoever this —-‘s fans are, [they] are outrageous.
Rather than let it rattle him, Hooker is channeling the abuse into motivation for fight night.
It’s going to feel pretty sweet shutting this kid’s lights out, making these guys eat their words. I’m here to ruin hopes and dreams. This kid wants to come in, make a name for himself, crack the top 10. He wants to be a superstar but I’m going to fly to France and I’m going to —- everyone’s night up. That’s my plan.
Parnasse arrives with real hype, evidenced by the UFC handing him a main event for his very first appearance. Hooker, one of the sport’s most reliable action fighters, is more than happy to be the roadblock. The bout headlines UFC Paris on September 5.
