Dan Hooker expressed surprise and amusement upon learning that Paddy Pimblett had advanced to fifth place in the UFC lightweight rankings. The New Zealand fighter laughed and asked, “How?” before his fight against Arman Tsarukyan in Qatar on Saturday.
Hooker, 35, was quoted reacting to Pimblett’s ranking adjustment during a media session. This ranking shift came after former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was removed from the lightweight list following his recent welterweight title victory.
Pimblett, from Liverpool, secured his latest win in April by stopping Michael Chandler, who was ranked 11th at the time. Despite stepping up to fifth, Pimblett has yet to defeat any opponent currently in the UFC lightweight top 10.
Hooker, who holds the sixth position, voiced his doubts about the merit behind Pimblett’s ranking. “They [the UFC] must be giving him the title shot,” Hooker remarked, suggesting the organization might be positioning Pimblett strategically.
The English fighter has maintained a perfect UFC record with seven wins but has not conclusively proven himself against the highest-tier fighters. Observers note that Pimblett’s ranking jump follows a reshuffling rather than a decisive top-level victory.
Pimblett has publicly called out Ilia Topuria for a potential championship bout. However, the UFC’s future plans regarding title contenders in the lightweight division remain uncertain.
The removal of Islam Makhachev significantly impacted the rankings, pushing all remaining fighters upward. This sequence explains part of the upward mobility for Pimblett and others.
As the UFC lightweight division continues to evolve, rankings will likely remain fluid in the months ahead. Fans and fighters alike watch closely to see if Pimblett’s new ranking reflects upcoming opportunities or promotional decisions.
Dan Hooker’s candid reaction highlights ongoing debates about how UFC rankings are determined. His perspective offers a grounded counterpoint to the official listings.
Read more at: www.bbc.co.uk
