Daniel Preston Hooker Bio
Daniel Preston Hooker, born on 13 February 1990, is a professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer from New Zealand. He competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is recognized for his striking skills and grappling expertise. Known by the ring name “The Hangman,” Hooker has held titles such as the King in the Ring Middleweight Kickboxing Champion and WKBF X-Rules Welterweight Champion.
Early Life and Background
Daniel Hooker was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and is of partial Māori descent from the Ngāti Maniapoto tribe. Growing up, he played both codes of rugby during his school years, which contributed to his athletic foundation. After finishing school, Hooker was introduced to mixed martial arts by a friend, sparking his interest in combat sports.
His early exposure to martial arts was complemented by his involvement in kickboxing and submission grappling, where he developed a versatile fighting style. Hooker trained extensively in Auckland, which laid the groundwork for his professional career.
Path to MMA
Hooker began his professional mixed martial arts career in March 2009, primarily competing in New Zealand. He compiled a record of 10 wins and 4 losses before joining the UFC. Alongside MMA, he maintained a successful kickboxing career, holding a 9–1–3 record and winning notable championships.
His grappling skills were also honed through submission wrestling tournaments in New Zealand, where he competed in no-gi events and earned victories by guillotine choke. These experiences helped him transition smoothly into the professional MMA scene.
Daniel Preston Hooker Career
Early Career (2009–2014)
Hooker made his professional MMA debut in 2009 and fought mainly in New Zealand, gaining valuable experience and recognition. During this period, he also competed as a professional kickboxer, securing titles such as the King in the Ring Middleweight Kickboxing Championship and WKBF X-Rules Welterweight Championship.
He demonstrated versatility by competing in different weight classes, including a notable heavyweight fight where he won by knockout. Hooker also began coaching MMA in 2008, eventually opening his own gym, Combat Academy, in Auckland.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–Present)
Hooker debuted in the UFC on June 28, 2014, with a first-round TKO victory over Ian Entwistle. Despite some early setbacks, including losses to Maximo Blanco and Yair Rodríguez, he secured significant wins such as a knockout of Hatsu Hioki in 2015, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus.
In 2016, Hooker moved from featherweight to lightweight, which marked a turning point in his career. He achieved notable victories against opponents like Ross Pearson, Marc Diakiese, Jim Miller, and Gilbert Burns, showcasing his striking power and submission skills. His fights often earned him performance bonuses and Fight of the Night honors.
Hooker faced top contenders including Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, engaging in memorable bouts that highlighted his resilience and skill. Despite some losses, he remained a top-ranked lightweight, known for his exciting fighting style and durability.
Current Team Era (Tiger Muay Thai, City Kickboxing, Saigon Sports Club) (2018–Present)
Hooker trains with renowned teams Tiger Muay Thai, City Kickboxing, and Saigon Sports Club, which have contributed to his development as a well-rounded fighter. His training environment has supported his competitive performances in the UFC Lightweight division.
He continues to compete at a high level, with recent victories including a split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot in 2024, which earned him another Fight of the Night award. Hooker’s partnership with his teams has been instrumental in maintaining his position among the UFC’s elite lightweights.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Hooker is known for his orthodox stance, combining striking prowess with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, holding a black belt in the discipline. His reach of 192 cm and height of 183 cm give him an advantage in striking exchanges. He excels in both knockout power and submission techniques, making him a versatile and dangerous opponent in the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Hooker has earned multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses. His bouts against Dustin Poirier and Mateusz Gamrot stand out as some of the most thrilling in recent UFC history. Receiving his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in October 2025 marked a significant milestone in his grappling credentials.
Daniel Preston Hooker Career Wins
Daniel Hooker has accumulated 24 professional MMA wins out of 37 fights, with victories coming via knockout, submission, and decision. His record reflects a balanced skill set and consistent performance against high-level competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Hooker’s UFC career includes notable wins by knockout against Hatsu Hioki, Ross Pearson, Jim Miller, Gilbert Burns, and James Vick. His submission victory over Marc Diakiese and multiple decision wins demonstrate his adaptability. Hooker has earned several Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards, underscoring his exciting fighting style.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Hooker achieved success in regional MMA circuits in New Zealand and in professional kickboxing, where he held two championship titles. His grappling record in submission wrestling tournaments also highlights his diverse combat skills.
Daniel Preston Hooker Family
Family Background and Heritage
Hooker is of partial Māori descent from the Ngāti Maniapoto tribe, which is part of his cultural heritage. Details about his immediate family are private, but his background has influenced his identity as a fighter.
Personal Life
Hooker resided and trained in Auckland, New Zealand, where he opened and operated his own gym, Combat Academy, before closing it to focus on his fighting career. In 2021, he announced plans to relocate to the United States due to travel and lockdown challenges but continues to maintain ties with his training base in Auckland.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Hooker remained active in the UFC Lightweight division, facing top contenders and maintaining his ranking. Despite withdrawing from a scheduled bout against Justin Gaethje due to a hand injury, he secured a split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot in August, earning Fight of the Night honors. Later in the year, he faced Arman Tsarukyan in a main event but lost via submission.
Hooker’s 2025 season demonstrated his resilience and competitiveness at the highest level, with his training teams playing a key role in his preparation and performance. His ongoing career continues to attract attention for his dynamic fighting style and durable presence in the lightweight ranks.