TLDR
- Paddy Pimblett made a crude comment about Dan Hooker’s grappling ability, saying he “couldn’t grapple a rapist off his mum”
- Hooker responded by referencing Pimblett’s friend Ricky who died by suicide in 2022, writing “RIP Ricky”
- Pimblett called Hooker’s response “lowest of the low” and both fighters said confrontation is “on sight”
- Pimblett faces Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on Jan. 24
- Hooker fights Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 325 on Jan. 31, with both men open to a future grudge match
Sources: BJ Penn | MMA Fighting | Aggregated MMA news desk
UFC lightweights Dan Hooker and Paddy Pimblett have ended their friendship after exchanging harsh insults on social media this week. The feud began when Pimblett made a crude comment about Hooker’s grappling ability during an interview.
Pimblett is scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on Jan. 24. Hooker will face Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 325 on Jan. 31 in Sydney, Australia.
During an interview with The MMA Guru, Pimblett addressed fans who questioned his title shot over higher-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan. He referenced Tsarukyan’s recent victory over Hooker with a vulgar comment.
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
“Dan Hooker couldn’t grapple a f*cking rapist off his mum,” Pimblett said during the interview. The comment was meant to criticize Hooker’s grappling performance in his November submission loss to Tsarukyan.
Hooker Responds With Reference to Pimblett’s Late Friend
Hooker fired back on social media by posting a video of a previous friendly encounter between the two fighters. He called out Pimblett for changing his attitude when cameras weren’t present.
“Ain’t said shit when we were face to face, bitch,” Hooker wrote. “I thought we were mates, but you’re not a very good mate, are you?”
Hooker then added “R.I.P. Ricky,” referring to Pimblett’s close friend who died by suicide in 2022. Pimblett has repeatedly spoken about his friend’s death in interviews and advocated for men’s mental health awareness.
In a follow-up tweet, Hooker escalated his response by writing, “It’s on sight, you fat bitch.” The phrase “on sight” typically means the person will confront someone physically whenever they see them.
Pimblett Fires Back at ‘Lowest of the Low’ Comment
Pimblett responded with his own social media post defending his original comment as a joke. He expressed outrage that Hooker had mocked his deceased friend.
“Thought we couldn’t be mates ’cause I’m ranked above you,” Pimblett wrote. “You took a hypothetical joke about how bad your grappling is and responded by talking shit about my mate who committed suicide?”
Pimblett called Hooker’s reference to Ricky “lowest of the low” and accepted the confrontation. “On sight is fine by me you’re utter dogshit at fighting,” he added.
Hooker currently ranks No. 7 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings for lightweight. Pimblett is tied for No. 11 in the same rankings.
If Pimblett defeats Gaethje for the interim title, he is expected to face undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. However, Topuria is currently taking time off to deal with personal and legal issues.
The winner of Hooker vs. Saint Denis at UFC 325 could potentially move into title contention. If Pimblett wins the interim belt and Topuria remains unavailable, the UFC might book the interim champion against another top contender.
Both fighters have made it clear their friendship is over and they want to settle their differences. The heated exchange has led to calls from fans for the UFC to book a future grudge match between Hooker and Pimblett after they complete their scheduled bouts.
