The world of mixed martial arts is witnessing a venomous and deeply personal online feud that has overshadowed upcoming fight cards. Two prominent UFC lightweight fighters, Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker, are engaged in a bitter war of words that has escalated far beyond typical fight promotion, shocking the global fanbase.
From Podcast Remarks to a Personal War
The conflict ignited in early January 2026 following an interview on The MMA Guru podcast. While discussing his upcoming interim title fight, Paddy Pimblett made remarks that questioned Dan Hooker's grappling abilities. What began as a dismissive comment on fighter rankings soon spiraled when it included a personal comparison, drawing immediate and fierce reactions online.
Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker, the 34-year-old New Zealand veteran, did not take the comments lightly. He responded forcefully on social media, posting a video and text stating that their next in-person meeting would not be cordial. He declared their friendship over, accusing Pimblett of being a poor friend. However, the situation took a dark turn when Hooker referenced Paddy Pimblett's late friend, Ricky, who died by suicide in 2022.
A Line Crossed: The Ricky Reference
Hooker's decision to bring up Ricky's death touched an extremely sensitive nerve. Pimblett has been vocal about his friend's passing and his advocacy for mental health awareness. The mention was perceived by fans and Pimblett himself as a severe breach of unwritten rivalry conduct.
Paddy Pimblett fired back swiftly and with palpable anger. On social media, he condemned Hooker's actions, labeling the reference to his deceased friend as "the lowest of the low" and completely unacceptable. He emphasized the particular cruelty of such an attack while he is deep in preparation for a championship bout.
Upcoming Fights Overshadowed by Drama
This intense personal drama has bizarrely stolen the spotlight from both athletes' crucial upcoming matches. Paddy Pimblett is scheduled to face Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title on January 24, 2026, at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. Conversely, Dan Hooker, who lost to Arman Tsarukyan in November 2025, is set to fight Benoît Saint Denis on February 1, 2026, at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia.
The irony is stark: the online feud is generating more buzz and media coverage than the high-stakes fights themselves. Every post and reply is dissected by fans and analysts, turning a personal clash into the UFC's most talked-about storyline. This marks a dramatic fall from grace for a relationship that once appeared friendly, as seen during shared events like UFC Qatar.
The fallout from this feud raises questions about the boundaries of trash talk in combat sports. With both men entering critical career moments, the mental and emotional toll of this public, deeply personal conflict remains to be seen, adding an unpredictable layer to their performances inside the Octagon.
