Gaethje eyes match vs. Dan Hooker at UFC 313
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is targeting UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for his first fight in 2025.
"So, there's no official fight signed, but I told the UFC maybe two or three months ago that March was the date I was looking for," Gaethje said on his YouTube channel. "I know there's a fight March 8 in Las Vegas, so that's the one I told them I wanted to be on. I think they're figuring out fights right now, but I'm certainly mentally preparing, physically preparing to fight on that date."
Gaethje (25-5) hasn't fought since being knocked out by Max Holloway in the fifth round of their epic UFC 300 bout in April 2024. The 36-year-old said that coming back from a dramatic loss "lights a fire under your ass."
The one-time BMF title holder has resumed his training schedule. He also has a specific opponent in mind for his return to the Octagon.
"I think it's going to be Dan Hooker, but with the UFC, things can always change," Gaethje said. "But that's what I'm preparing for, mentally, physically for that fight March 8."
Hooker (24-12) has also been out of competition since earning a split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 last August. The New Zealander is riding a three-fight win streak that includes a second-round finish of Claudio Puelles and a decision win versus Jalin Turner.
Both Gaethje and Hooker are the No. 3- and No. 6-ranked contenders in the promotion's lightweight division, respectively.