UFC: Bouncer job gives way to fulltime fighting

New Zealand-born UFC fighter Daniel Hooker. Photo / Greg Bowker

Dan Hooker no longer has to worry about patrolling the doors of Auckland bars.

The UFC featherweight is enjoying his newfound freedom as a fulltime fighter after his impressive first-round TKO win over Ian Entwistle in his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 43 at Vector Arena last month.

The 24-year-old, known as "The Hangman", took time off his job as a doorman to train for his bout with Entwistle but victory meant a greater purse and the knowledge he was likely to get another chance to fight in the UFC.

That opportunity will come on September 20 with confirmation Hooker will meet Venezuelan Maximo Blanco at UFC Fight Night 52 at the Saitama Super Arena near Tokyo.

The Japanese card will be headlined by Kiwi heavyweight Mark Hunt, who will meet American Roy Nelson in a long-awaited bout between two of the heaviest hitters.

"I don't have to have any distractions now, I just get to focus on my fighting," Hooker said.

"It's just more relaxing. It's far less stress. I'm so grateful that I can just focus on this. All I've wanted to do all along is not have to worry about work. I've got money for food, money for rent; I can survive by just training."

After his victory over Entwistle, which included an entertaining post-fight press conference with a couple of catchy one-liners, Hooker (11-4) started the "hangmanforjapan" campaign on social media and it has paid off for him.

Blanco (10-6-1, 1NC) is a stand-up specialist, which presents the potential for an entertaining bout with Hooker, given his kickboxing background.

"I've looked him up," Hooker said.

"I've watched his fights. It's going to be a good fight; he's a striker.

"The fans love two guys standing and striking, I can't wait for this one."

A majority of Hooker's previous MMA fights were at lightweight but he said the drop to featherweight was no problem and had helped him stick to a healthier diet.

At 1.83m, Hooker is also one of the tallest fighters in the featherweight division and he looms as a tricky opponent given his height.

In Japan, Hooker will also get a close look at the main event, which in Hunt features a fighter he has long looked up to.

"That's the number one reason why I wanted on the card was to watch Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson bang it out, I can't wait for that."