Dan Hooker's UFC Auckland master plan: Beat Paul Felder, call out Justin Gaethje

Dan Hooker has a big opportunity to crack the top of the lightweight rankings with a win on Saturday.

Hooker (19-8 MMA, 9-4 UFC) headlines his first UFC event when he takes on Paul Felder at UFC on ESPN+ 26 in his home country of New Zealand.

Winner of six of his last seven, with five of those wins coming by finish, Hooker has proved that he is a dangerous 155-pound contender. And with a win over fellow surging lightweight Felder (17-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) , the Kiwi has his eyes on a matchup he knows will deliver, against the always game Justin Gaethje.

“Yeah, coming into the top five, on a three-fight win streak, will present some pretty incredible opportunities,” Hooker told MMA Junkie. “That Gaethje fight, bro. That Gaethje fight, that’s the one that, when you mention it to fight fans, when you mention it in discussions, it’s the one that makes the hair on your arms stand up. He’s an incredible finisher; I’m an incredible finisher. That fight packs out and sells out any arena in any kind of a world that you put it on.”

But before his thoughts can turn to a potential scrap with Gaethje (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Hooker must first face arguably his sternest test yet in the form of the tough and gritty Felder. But “The Hangman” is in form ahead of his fight, having picked up a unanimous decision win over Al Iaquinta at UFC 243, where he put on a striking clinic. This time he has two extra rounds to work with, and he says he’s going to relish the opportunity to put on a show for his compatriots at Auckland’s Spark Arena.

“Five rounds, I’m looking for a tough fight, I’m looking for the hardest fight I’ve ever been in,” Hooker said. “I feel like we’re going to be throwing leather for 25 minutes, and I cannot wait.”