Ariel Helwani Show: Dan Hooker vs Justin Gaethje Fight Cancelled Reaction
Ariel Helwani reacts to the cancellation of the Dan Hooker vs Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 313 due to Hooker's hand injury. The Ariel Helwani Show episode discusses the impact on the event and the disappointment for fans.
Breaking News on UFC 313 Fight Cancellation
In a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, host Ariel Helwani delivered the unfortunate news that the highly anticipated UFC 313 co-main event between Dan Hooker and Justin Gaethje has been cancelled. The announcement came as a disappointment to fans eagerly awaiting the five-round lightweight clash scheduled for March 8 at T-Mobile Arena. Helwani shared that Hooker was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a hand injury, specifically a broken left hand, which has sidelined him from competing.
Details of Dan Hooker's Injury
Delving into the specifics around the 2:15 mark, Helwani confirmed through a report to Sky Sport in New Zealand that Hooker acknowledged the severity of his injury. Despite the broken hand, Hooker reportedly made a lighthearted comment about still being willing to fight, though it was clear the injury would prevent his participation. This setback adds to the fighter's history of injuries, but the focus remained on the immediate impact of his withdrawal from this significant matchup against Gaethje.
Reaction to the Cancellation
At approximately the 5:30 timestamp, Helwani expressed his thoughts on the cancellation, highlighting the excitement that had built around this fight given both fighters' reputations for delivering intense, action-packed bouts. He noted the unique nature of the five-round format for a non-title fight, which had promised an extended display of violence and endurance. The host lamented the loss of this matchup for UFC 313, underscoring how it was poised to be a highlight of the event for fans of the sport.
Impact on UFC 313 Card
Towards the 8:45 segment, the discussion shifted to the broader implications for the UFC 313 card. With Hooker out, Helwani touched on the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to face Gaethje on short notice. The cancellation leaves a gap in the co-main event slot, and while no immediate replacement was confirmed during the episode, the urgency to maintain the event's appeal was evident. This development has sparked curiosity about how the UFC will adjust the lineup to compensate for the absence of such a marquee fight.
