Fighter at Dan Hooker’s backyard brawl event referred to police

Dan "Hangman" Hooker promoted an unregulated fight event on social media – one of the participants is a senior Mongrel Mob member now under police custody. Photo / Getty Images

• A Mongrel Mob member involved in an unregulated backyard fight has been referred to police.
• The event, promoted by MMA fighter Dan Hooker, offered a $50,000 prize and $1000 to participants.
• Police Minister Mark Mitchell is seeking advice on addressing unregulated fight events.

By RNZ

One of the 32 fighters involved in a controversial and unregulated backyard fight contest at the weekend has been referred to police.

The man, whom Checkpoint understands to be a senior Mongrel Mob member from the Bay of Plenty, was wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet in footage of his fight released to social media and was supposed to be attending a rehabilitation programme.

Over 30 fighters gathered on Saturday in an undisclosed Auckland backyard to compete for a $50,000 prize. Social media posts show the event, promoted by well-known MMA fighter Dan “Hangman” Hooker.

It was billed as 32 fighters going head to head in one-minute scraps to be the last man standing and crowned king of the streets. All fighters were subsequently offered $1000 for competing.

Checkpoint raised the issue with Corrections earlier on Tuesday.

Its director of community operations David Grigg said the gang member with the electronic monitoring bracelet was granted approval to attend a rehabilitation programme by a provider approved by the courts. He says it was part of the man’s bail conditions. He said Corrections received assurance the absence was for a rehabilitation activity focused on wellness and physical health.

He said since receiving new information about the nature of the gang member’s absence, it has now been referred to police.

Speaking to Checkpoint this evening, Police Minister Mark Mitchell said that while he did not know all the details of this case, “gang members tend to be violent, and they tend to not want to stick to the rules”.

“Our community-based Corrections officers are outstanding, they do a fantastic job.

“I’m sure if this guy is in breach of his conditions, then our Corrections team will take action on that.”

Mitchell is also Minister of Sport, and said he had asked the ministry what could be done about unregulated fight events.

“At the end of the day, these guys are grown men and there should be some personal responsibility about making their own good decisions, but I have asked the ministry for advice.”