UFC 313: Dan Hooker OUT of Co-Main Event Against Justin Gaethje

In a devastating blow to fight fans worldwide, the highly anticipated lightweight clash between Dan “The Hangman” Hooker and Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje has been called off. Hooker, the New Zealand-born fighter known for his gritty performances, has been forced to withdraw from the UFC 313 co-main event scheduled for March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas due to a broken hand sustained during training.

The Injury That Shattered UFC 313 Dreams

Hooker confirmed the news in an unexpected manner, revealing the injury through his daughter’s YouTube vlog. “We did have a little break, we have been busy. Dad had a fight, or was supposed to have a fight but I’ve busted my paw,” Hooker stated, using a playful term to describe the serious setback. This revelation came as a shock to many, as the buildup to this potential Fight of the Year candidate had been intense.

🚨Dan Hooker confirms he is out of his fight vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 313, with a hand injury. pic.twitter.com/tNprdLtUj7

— Dr. Jeffrey Josephs (@AlphaJeffrey45) February 25, 2025

The matchup between Hooker and Gaethje had been circled on many fans’ calendars since its announcement. Both fighters are known for their willingness to engage in all-out wars, with Hooker himself acknowledging the expected brutality of the bout. In a previous interview with ESPN Australia, he had boldly claimed, “I know full well, 100 percent that no matter whether his arm gets raised, my arm gets raised, I’m going straight on a stretcher.”

UFC 313 in Limbo: What’s Next for Gaethje and the Card?

With Hooker’s withdrawal, the UFC is now scrambling to salvage the co-main event slot. As of now, it remains unclear whether Justin Gaethje will receive a replacement opponent or if the fight will be rebooked for a later date. The promotion faces a significant challenge in finding a suitable replacement on such short notice, especially for a fighter of Gaethje’s caliber and drawing power.

UFC President Dana White and his team are undoubtedly working overtime to keep the UFC 313 card intact. The event, headlined by Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev, still boasts significant star power. However, losing the Hooker vs. Gaethje bout is a considerable blow to the card’s overall appeal.

Speculation is already running rampant about potential replacements. Some fans are hoping for the unlikely scenario of newly crowned featherweight champion Ilia Topuria stepping up to face Gaethje, especially after Dana White’s recent comments about Topuria’s interest in moving up to lightweight. More realistically, fighters like Mateusz Gamrot, who previously stepped in for Hooker in a similar situation, might be in consideration for the short-notice opportunity.

For Gaethje, this cancellation comes at a crucial time in his career. Coming off a devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, “The Highlight” was looking to bounce back and reassert himself in the lightweight title picture. Now, he faces an uncertain immediate future, with his next move dependent on the UFC’s ability to find a suitable replacement or the timeline for rebooking the Hooker fight.

As for Hooker, this setback is another frustrating chapter in his recent career. The New Zealander will now focus on recovery and rehabilitation, hoping to return to action later in the year. His track record of exciting fights ensures that fans will eagerly await his comeback, whether it’s against Gaethje or another top lightweight contender.

As UFC 313 approaches, the MMA world will be watching closely for updates on the co-main event situation. Whether it’s a last-minute replacement or a reshuffling of the card, one thing is certain: the loss of Hooker vs. Gaethje is a significant disappointment for fight fans who were anticipating an early contender for Fight of the Year.