Dan Hooker Fires Back at Death Threats Before UFC Paris

Dan Hooker says he has received death threats in the run-up to his UFC Paris headliner against Salahdine Parnasse, and he isn't losing sleep over it.

The lightweight main event pits Hooker against Parnasse, who is making his promotional debut in front of a home French crowd at a card the UFC is running in Paris. Parnasse held titles in two divisions during his time in KSW, and that resume combined with a rabid home following has made him one of the most popular fighters the country has produced. Once the pairing was made official, Hooker found himself flooded with hostile messages on social media, some of which he described as crossing into death threats.

Hooker didn't back off the assignment over it and said there's nothing the people sending the threats can actually do beyond talk. He plans to hold onto the messages and bring them out for his celebration if he gets his hand raised in Paris.

Why Hooker Took the Fight in Enemy Territory

Dan Hooker didn't hesitate when the UFC offered him a main event slot on the road against a hometown favorite. The New Zealander has built a reputation on taking hard fights other ranked lightweights would rather sidestep, and he figured the UFC knew he was one of the few top-15 lightweights who would say yes to headlining against Parnasse on French soil. That willingness to jump into a hostile building is what makes this booking notable. It isn't a safe pick for either man; it's a live matchup between a well-traveled veteran and a debuting hometown hero the French crowd has fully adopted.

What This Means at the Betting Window

Sportsbooks have installed Parnasse as a significant favorite in his own building, with Hooker sitting as the clear underdog. That kind of number reflects Parnasse's momentum and finishing ability as much as it reflects the crowd and debut hype working in his favor. For bettors, a lopsided line on a fighter making his promotional debut is always worth a second look. Hooker has spent close to a decade fighting at the top of the 155-pound division and has never been an easy out, regardless of how the market prices him.

The hostility outside the cage doesn't change what actually decides this fight: whether Parnasse's power holds up the first time he's tested by a durable UFC veteran, and whether Hooker's experience and volume are enough to silence a building that will be screaming for his opponent all night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Dan Hooker say about death threats before UFC Paris?

Dan Hooker said he received death threats on social media after his UFC Paris main event against Salahdine Parnasse was announced, but that the threats don't bother him and won't change his approach to the fight.

Who is Dan Hooker fighting at UFC Paris?

Dan Hooker headlines UFC Paris against Salahdine Parnasse, a two-division champion from KSW who is making his UFC debut in front of his home French crowd.

Is Salahdine Parnasse favored over Dan Hooker at UFC Paris?

Yes, sportsbooks have installed Salahdine Parnasse as a significant favorite over Dan Hooker for their UFC Paris main event, reflecting both his form and home-country support.