Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker has earned co-main billing at UFC 313 on Saturday, March 8, at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The question many are asking, though: Is this fight worth such prominent placement?
Most co-main events at these premier UFC cards rival the primary attraction. In this case, however, there is no beating the intrigue surrounding Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Even when accounting for this, though, it is starting to feel like Gaethje vs. Hooker is in danger of becoming too one-sided. Is this accurate? That is what we’re here to explore.
- What: UFC 313
- When: Saturday, March 8, 2025
- Start Time: 7 p.m. EST (preliminary bouts), 10 p.m. EST (main card)
- Where: Paradise, Nevada
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena
- Where to Watch: ESPN+ (subscription required)
- Main Event: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
The 35-year-old Dan Hooker enters UFC 313 with a lifetime record of 24-12-0. After a rough stretch a couple of years ago that had many wondering whether he was on the decided downswing, he has rattled off three consecutive victories at UFC pay per view events. Most recently, Hooker won by decision against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 this past August. That fight saw him complete five takedowns to Gamrot’s zero en route to winning by decision.
Meanwhile, the 36-year-old Dan Hooker will bring a 25-5-0 overall record to UFC 313. His past half-decade’s worth of matches is proving touch-and-go. Though he beat Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in July 2023, his most recent fight saw him fall to Max Holloway at UFC 300, where he lost the striking battle 181-103 before getting knocked out in the final moments of Round 5.
UFC 313 Co-Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs Dan Hooker Betting Lines
While Hooker is working off a hotter stretch, the latest online UFC betting odds are taking into account the level of competition faced by Gaethje. You can see the most up to date Gaethje vs. Hooker betting odds below:
Keep double-checking these UFC 313 betting odds right up until you actually submit your wager. Our UFC 313 online betting lines are accurate entering Monday, February 24. This gives the best online UFC betting sites more than enough time to make adjustments ahead of the opening bell on March 8.
Not unlike the UFC 313 main event between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev, this is a fight that could see a good amount of line movement. While Gaethje has the stronger track record when looking at his opponents, he has not exactly dominated them. Hooker’s improved defense, both against striking and takedown attempts, may prompt a major shift in action among those looking for better-than-even-money-payouts.
The Case for Justin Gaethje to Beat Dan Hooker
Over his past six fights, Gaethje is a rather pedestrian 3-3. But just look at the competition he has faced during this stretch, in chronological order:
- UFC 254 vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov (lost by submission in Round 2)
- UFC 268 vs. Michael Chandler (won by unanimous decision)
- UFC 274 vs. Charles Oliveira (lost by submission in Round 1)
- UFC 286 vs. Rafael Fiziev (won by decision)
- UFC 291 vs. Dustin Poirier (won by KO/TKO in Round 2))
- UFC 300 vs. Max Holloway (lost by KO/TKO in Round 5)
This is, by and large, a murderer’s row of opponents. The fact that Gaethje emerges from it with a .500 record is quite impressive. Facing Hooker may even qualify as a brief respite.
None of which is meant to imply that Hooker is a pushover. Gaethje absolutely has some defensive-stance issues he must iron out. But he is still landing 6.78 significant strikes per minute at a 59 percent clip. That is a bonkers meld of volume and efficiency, and it is the basis of his case to not just win at UFC 313, but do so comfortably.
The Case for Dan Hooker to Beat Justin Gaethje
As many like to point out, Hooker is neither as quick nor efficient with his striking combinations as Gaethje. And while he has more of a takedown and wrestling arsenal, it is not by much.
Yet, the power Hooker packs on his strikes and kicks is officially undeniable. The velocity he can generate while working within a switch stance bends the mind.
To that end, very few gave a realistic shot at beating Gamrot this past August. He proved those doubters wrong—and then some. That was the fight that validated his improvement as someone who does more than overpower opponents.
Having a deeper collection of offensive maneuvers will serve him well against Gaethje. And even if it does turn into the slugfest many are expecting, Hooker’s power stands up to that of Gaethje.
UFC 313 Picks for Gaethje vs Hooker
Despite relatively close betting odds, experts and fans are seemingly bracing for a Gaethje victory. That is understandable. Historically, even when he’s not at his best, he does a better job with those early pushes in the octagon.
Nevertheless, Hooker has noticeably improved his stamina over the past few fights. If he can withstand the onset offense from Gaethje, he has a real chance of outlasting him by decision.
Heck, we won’t even rule out an upset KO/TKO. Gaethje is coming off a long fight that ended in a knockout last April. As many keep observing he doesn’t have the same type of stamina or capacity to absorb blows above the neck.
This, in our estimation, opens the door for Hooker to pull out the victory. If and when he does, his next stop could be a title-belt match.
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