Dan Hooker and Paddy Pimblett‘s feud escalated after Pimblett made an offensive comment involving Hooker’s mother, prompting Hooker to retaliate with a remark about Pimblett’s deceased friend, turning their rivalry personal.
Dan Hooker didn’t have any beef with Paddy Pimblett. That changed when Pimblett made a crude comment involving Hooker’s mom.
It all kicked off when Pimblett criticized Hooker’s grappling. He said, “Dan Hooker couldn’t grapple a f*cking rapist off his ma.” Hooker was baffled by such a horrific comment.
In retaliation, Hooker mentioned Pimblett’s late friend Ricky in a social media post. Pimblett exploded, which was exactly Hooker’s goal.
“It’s just whatever the worst thing that I know would piss him off,” Hooker told MMA Fighting. If it had been anything else about his mom, he would’ve used that. Pimblett got under Hooker’s skin, so Hooker wanted to return the favor.
Before this, Hooker enjoyed exchanging banter with Pimblett. But the rape joke? A step too far.
Hooker has no regrets about his response. He’s shocked Pimblett is acting like the victim when he started it all.
“He’s always talked shit,” Hooker said. “He’s funny, but then he says something you just don’t say. Who makes a rape joke about someone’s mom?”
Pimblett wanted a reaction, and he got it. Hooker felt he had to make sure the feeling was mutual. “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” he added.
What was once professional curiosity about fighting Pimblett is now personal. Hooker vows to settle the score.
Ahead of his fight with Arman Tsarukyan, Hooker was ready to throw down if needed. But there was no real animosity.
With Pimblett, it’s different. Hooker is coming after him, UFC octagon or not.
“Arman was business. This is personal,” Hooker said. Pimblett’s comment crossed a line.
A headline claimed 60 scousers would jump Hooker if he came to UFC 324. Hooker laughed it off, saying it’s not a place he planned to be.
Pimblett’s claim almost tempted Hooker to travel halfway across the world. “Don’t threaten me with a good time,” he joked.
With a fight against Benoit Saint Denis on the horizon, Hooker’s focus isn’t on Pimblett. But that’ll change soon.
In a perfect scenario, Pimblett loses, and Hooker wins. Maybe then the UFC will capitalize on their feud.
“I hope Gaethje f*cking starches him,” Hooker said. He believes the striking difference is clear. After his fight, Hooker would love to face Pimblett.