Paddy Pimblett, Dan Hooker Engage in Bitter Verbal Spat

"During an interview with The MMA Guru on Thursday, Pimblett appeared and took shots at a few other names in his division. When discussing the UFC 324 headliner of himself against Justin Gaethje, Pimblett dismissed the idea of Gaethje, 37, being too old and therefore less dangerous. "The Baddy" invoked Hooker's name in comparison, stating that the American was just two years the elder of the Kiwi, and tossed a dagger at Hooker for getting submitted by Arman Tsarukyan last year. "A lot of people are saying like Justin Gaethje, he's old, and that lad is two years older than Dan Hooker," Pimblett observed, before taking a dark turn. "Dan Hooker's like two years younger than him...Dan Hooker couldn't grapple a f---ing rapist off his ma.""

""The Hangman" got wind of Pimblett's remark, and he was incensed. Sharing a video on social media showing that at one time they were friendly towards one another, Hooker issued a threat to the Liverpudlian. Furthering their beef, Hooker invoked Pimblett's deceased friend's name, Ricky, who took his own life several years ago. Ain't said shit when we were face to face bitch. I thought we were mates, but you're not a very good mate are you @PaddyTheBaddy RIP Ricky 🕊️🪦 pic.twitter.com/00fvbzLLC3 - Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) January 9, 2026 "Ain't said s--t when we were face to face b---h," Hooker penned. "I thought we were mates, but you're not a very good mate are you Paddy Pimblett RIP Ricky." Shortly thereafter, Hooker posted again, claiming that when they next met in person, they would fight. "It's on [sight, you] fat b---h," Hooker authored."

Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker have severed a past friendship following a public exchange of insults and threats. Pimblett, ahead of his UFC 324 headliner versus Justin Gaethje, dismissed age concerns and attacked Hooker's grappling ability, saying Hooker “couldn't grapple a f---ing rapist off his ma.” Hooker reacted angrily on social media, posting a video of past friendliness, invoking Pimblett's deceased friend Ricky and labeling Pimblett a poor mate. Hooker also warned of a physical confrontation on sight. Pimblett, scheduled to fight Gaethje on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, continued to respond on social platforms.

Read at Sherdog