Dan Hooker Sets Sights on Beneil Dariush Clash at UFC 303

After recovering from a broken arm sustained during his win over Jalin Turner last July, UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker is eyeing a return to the octagon this summer. The New Zealand native recently expressed interest in facing Beneil Dariush at UFC 303, following Dariush's own desire for the matchup.

"I would love to take that fight… June, International Fight Week, I will punch Beneil Dariush’s head clean off his shoulders. There is no doubt about it. That would obviously be my top pick," Hooker told TheAllStar.

A fight between Hooker and Dariush makes sense on several fronts, especially given their rankings. Dariush is currently ranked sixth in the lightweight division, while Hooker sits at 11th. For Dariush, coming off back-to-back losses, a win against Hooker could propel him back into title contention.

Hooker boasts a professional record of 23 wins and 12 losses, riding a two-fight winning streak. Before his victory over Turner, he secured a TKO win over Claudio Puelles, rebounding from a loss to Arnold Allen.

On the other hand, Dariush is 22-6-1 as a pro but is currently on a two-fight losing streak, suffering knockout defeats to Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira. Prior to these losses, Dariush had an impressive eight-fight winning streak, defeating the likes of Mateusz Gamrot, Tony Ferguson, Drew Dober, Drakkar Klose, and Thiago Moises.