TLDR
- Dan Hooker will headline UFC Paris on Sept. 5 against Salahdine Parnasse in his UFC debut
- Hooker reports receiving numerous death threats from French fans in their native language
- The fighter says he did not experience similar hostility when he fought Benoit Saint Denis
- Hooker is using the threats as motivation and embracing his role as the villain
- The bout takes place at the Accor Arena in France with Parnasse in an unusual main event slot for his first UFC fight
Sources: mmafighting.com
New Zealand UFC fighter Dan Hooker says he has received numerous death threats from French fans after accepting a fight against prospect Salahdine Parnasse at UFC Paris in September.
Hooker will headline the UFC Paris event on Sept. 5 at the Accor Arena. He told Submission Radio that fans have sent him messages in French saying they will kill him.
“The death threats have been outrageous,” Hooker said. “I didn’t get it when I fought [Benoit Saint Denis]. Like just the French people and speaking French telling me I’m going to die and telling me they’re going to kill me and shit.”
Different Fan Base Than Previous French Opponent
Hooker recently fought another French fighter, Benoit Saint Denis, in February 2026 at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. He says the experience with that fight was completely different.
The fighter believes Saint Denis attracted a more respectful fan base. “I feel like because he’s just such a respectful guy, the people that follow him or support him aren’t complete f*cking c*nts,” Hooker said about Saint Denis.
Dan Hooker reveals he's getting death threats from French fighter Salahdine Parnasse's fans.
"The death threats have been outrageous. I didn't get them when I fought BSD. French people have been speaking French and telling me I'm going to die. Whoever this cunt's fans are,… pic.twitter.com/kv2DCgXVVp
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) July 27, 2026
He directed harsh criticism at Parnasse’s supporters. “But whoever this c*nt’s fans are, [they] are outrageous,” Hooker added.
The UFC has booked Parnasse in a main event slot for his first fight in the organization. This is an unusual move that typically indicates the promotion sees him as a potential star.
Hooker Using Threats as Motivation
Despite the hostile messages, Hooker says he is using the situation to fuel his preparation for the fight. He has embraced his role as the villain for the French crowd.
“I feel like I’m pissing off this kid,” Hooker said. “You’re ruining his plans. You’re ruining these boys in France.”
Hooker says he plans to spoil Parnasse’s UFC debut in front of his home fans. “It’s going to feel pretty sweet shutting this kid’s lights out,” he said. “Making these guys eat their words.”
The veteran fighter made clear his intentions for the September fight. “I’m here to ruin hopes and dreams,” Hooker stated. “This kid wants to come in, make a name for himself, crack the top 10. He wants to be a superstar but I’m going to fly to France and I’m going to f*ck everyone’s night up.”
Hooker acknowledged he had not watched French UFC events in the past. He says he did not expect this level of hostility when accepting the fight.
The lightweight bout will mark Parnasse’s first appearance inside the UFC octagon. The organization is giving him immediate exposure by placing him in the main event position.
Hooker has competed in the UFC since 2014 and holds a professional record that includes wins over several ranked opponents. He most recently faced Saint Denis at UFC 325 in Sydney.
The UFC Paris event on Sept. 5 will take place at the Accor Arena in France.
