Dan Hooker says he has been inundated with abusive messages and death threats from French MMA fans following the announcement of his upcoming UFC Paris main event against Salahdine Parnasse.
The UFC confirmed over the weekend that Hooker (24-24 MMA, 14-10 UFC) will headline UFC Paris on September 5 against the highly touted French newcomer (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC). The bout marks Hooker's second consecutive fight against a French opponent after suffering a loss to Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325 in January.
Appearing on Submission Radio on Monday, Hooker revealed that he has experienced a wave of hostility since news of the matchup with Parnasse began circulating.
“I can't even say I watched any of the French events, but from what I'm getting, the death threats has been outrageous. I didn't get it when I fought BSD.”
Hooker explained that the messages have primarily come from French-speaking fans and contrasted the reaction to what he experienced ahead of his fight with Saint-Denis.
“Just the French people, speaking French and f**king telling me that I'm gonna die, and telling me they're gonna kill me and sh*t. The difference between (BSD’s and Parnasse’s fans has been) outrageous. I think maybe because BSD is obviously French as well (my last opponent) I feel like just because he's such like a respectful guy that maybe the people that follow him or support him aren't complete fucking c**ts, but whoever this c**t’s fans are they’re outrageous. It’s gonna feel pretty sweet shutting this kid's lights out.”
Parnasse enters the UFC as one of Europe's most accomplished fighters after establishing himself as a standout champion on the regional scene. His promotional debut against Hooker will serve as the main event in Paris, where he is expected to receive strong hometown support.
Hooker, meanwhile, will be looking to rebound from his defeat to Saint-Denis and spoil Parnasse's UFC debut in front of a partisan French crowd. The lightweight showdown is scheduled to headline UFC Paris on September 5.
