Three possible matchups for Paddy ”The Baddy” Pimblett

Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker. Photo: Jeff Bottari / Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

No. 11 ranked lightweight Dan Hooker is a popular fighter and a possible matchup if the promotion decides to let Paddy Pimblett fight ranked opposition.

Hooker had a hard time lately, with only two wins in his six last fights, but bounced back with a victory against Claudio Puelles in November.

However, Hooker himself doesn’t believe that the promotion is willing to risk their cash cow against someone as tough as him.

“I think he’s a great guy. I like his persona, I like everything. Very aggressive, puts on entertaining fights, but let’s all be honest, he’s getting taken care of, you know what I mean? He’s not getting tough matchups just yet,” Hooker recently said to MacLife.

“I wouldn’t want to fight him. I like him. I don’t want to fight him and make him look silly. I don’t want to burst the bubble and that’s just being honest. I think that’s a bad move [to fight me]. Hand on my heart, I think I do whatever I want to that kid.”