UFC fighter Dan Hooker has finally responded to the widespread accusations that circulated across social media last month.
Known for his professional demeanor and positive reputation within the MMA community, Hooker typically avoids the controversies that often plague other UFC athletes. The New Zealander is widely seen as one of the sport’s true ‘BMFs’ (Baddest Motherfuckers), a title these recent allegations jeopardized, threatening to reshape public perception of him.
The scandal began in mid-February when a video emerged, alleging that Dan Hooker maintained an extramarital affair, financially supporting a woman’s lifestyle. The video, shared on Instagram by user @keekgrace, claimed their arrangement ended after she purportedly discovered intimate messages between Hooker and a different man.
Nearly a month following these concerning claims, Hooker has publicly come forward to defend his family.
Starting his statement, Hooker remarked, “Ok, it’s been a minute. I’m back training, but before I go back to my team I feel like I need to address a couple of things. Mostly out of respect for people I care about who have been going through it.” He then emphatically praised his family, stating, “My wife has been my rock and will always be my best friend, and the best mother to our awesome girls my kids are my world. I’ll look after my family until the day I die… and every day after that. They mean everything to me.”
Since the allegations of his supposed affairs surfaced, his wife and children have endured significant negative attention. After publicly defending his loved ones, Hooker then addressed the accusations directly concerning himself.
Seeking to clarify the situation and safeguard his reputation, as well as his family’s honor, the 36-year-old fighter rebutted the woman’s claims.
Hooker stated, “I don’t think most of this is anyone’s business. And you know what they say — you shouldn’t believe everything you see, and even less of what you hear. The blow-ups on social media caught me off guard. I honestly didn’t think anyone would take it seriously. But since people care, it’s pretty simple.”
He continued, explaining, “I ended an arrangement with someone. Naturally she wasn’t happy and asked for $100k for an NDA. I said no. What happened next was wild. She was clearly upset and started a campaign of lies to try to embarrass and defame me, and mostly to intentionally upset my family. I’m not making excuses for myself. It is what it is. But it hurts when the people who end up getting dragged into it are the ones who did nothing wrong.”