Israel Adesanya appeared eager to support his friend during UFC 325.
The former two-time middleweight champion watched his second UFC event of the year from home.
At UFC 325, his longtime teammate Dan Hooker took part in the co-main event.
Adesanya showed visible tension, dodging punches in his mind and shouting advice at the TV as Benoît Saint-Denis stunned Australian fans with a second-round TKO victory at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
Benoît Saint-Denis is quickly emerging as a force in the lightweight division, having won four of his last five bouts.
Israel Adesanya’s Reaction to Dan Hooker’s Loss
Adesanya shared his live reactions throughout UFC 325 on Saturday night.
“The Last Stylebender” was initially excited when Hooker successfully defended an early guillotine choke attempt.
However, his mood shifted as Saint-Denis took control of the fight.
In the second round, Hooker found himself battered and bloody from Saint-Denis’ relentless ground and pound.
Adesanya winced at the barrage of strikes until referee Herb Dean stopped the fight.
“F–,” he exclaimed.
He then praised Hooker, saying, “Dan Hooker did a great job. He was dangerous in the first round. I think he was a real weapon.”
“I expected a knee strike, but it’s different when you’re actually there,” Adesanya added. “If you destroy more dreams, he will destroy more dreams.”
What’s Next for Dan Hooker?
Following his loss, Dan Hooker broke his silence and expressed interest in a rematch—but not against Benoît Saint-Denis.
Instead, the 35-year-old is aiming for a showdown with Michael Chandler at the upcoming UFC event in June, held at the White House.
These two previously clashed at UFC 257 five years ago, where Chandler secured a knockout victory in the first round.
“Michael Chandler is in the White House,” Hooker said to the camera. “See you at the top.”
Chandler was recently ruled out as a potential opponent for Conor McGregor’s return bout, which could make a matchup with Hooker an appealing option for both fighters.
At this time, it remains uncertain whether UFC matchmakers will greenlight this rematch for the White House event.
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans because it highlights the unpredictable nature of MMA and the rise of new contenders like Benoît Saint-Denis. Hooker’s callout of Michael Chandler could set the stage for an exciting rivalry that revitalizes the lightweight division and keeps fans eagerly anticipating future matchups.
