At UFC 290, Dan Hooker showcased his unwavering courage and resilience as he emerged victorious in a split-decision win over Jalin Turner, despite sustaining significant injuries.
Following the intense battle, Hooker shared a powerful image on social media, standing alongside Turner with both fighters wearing smiles despite the visible marks of their war. Hooker playfully captioned the photo with “Hespec,” downplaying the severity of his injuries, including a grisly cut above his eye.
Dan Hooker Shares X-Ray of Broken Wrist Following Intense Fight at UFC 290
Hours later, Hooker took to Instagram once again, this time revealing an X-ray that displayed a broken wrist suffered during the fight. With his trademark sense of humor, Hooker humorously brushed it off as a mere scratch, using a laughing emoji to emphasize his resilience.
During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, the question arose about Hooker breaking his arm, to which he responded with a grin, saying, “Just a scratch, but, we’ll see.” This lighthearted exchange between Hooker and Rogan further highlighted the fighter’s indomitable spirit.
Dan Hooker is a SAVAGE 😳 #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/vj5PIorqVC
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
Notably, even Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg joined the conversation, commenting on Hooker’s post and commending him as a “savage” for his impressive performance.
“You’re a savage. That was amazing.”
Despite the challenges posed by his injuries, Hooker’s victory marked a significant achievement, securing back-to-back wins for the first time since 2020. It was a remarkable feat considering Turner’s failure to make the required weight for the fight.
While the road to recovery awaits Hooker due to his broken wrist, his unwavering optimism was evident in a heartfelt photo he shared from the hospital. The image showcased his camaraderie with Turner, underscoring the bond formed through their shared experience inside the Octagon.
Although Hooker missed out on the “Fight of the Night” bonus, he received 20% of Jalin Turner’s fight purse due to the weight miss, adding a small silver lining to his remarkable performance.
Dan Hooker’s extraordinary display of courage, resilience, and sportsmanship solidifies his status as a true warrior in the realm of mixed martial arts, inspiring fans and fellow fighters alike.
