Justin Gaethje (25-5) is preparing to return to action against Dan Hooker (24-12). Gaethje is currently at a crossroads in his career. Gaethje has dropped two lightweight title bids, against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 and Charles Oliveira in 2022.

Former interim lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje is actively preparing for a return to the UFC Octagon in March.

March 8, 2025 is already set for UFC 313, at Vegas' T-Mobile Arena. The post UFC Rumors: Dana White’s Uses BMF Tournament for UFC 313 as Justin Gaethje Hints Dan Hooker Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Justin Gaethje says he’s gearing up to make his return at UFC 313 in March and all signs are pointing towards a showdown against Dan Hooker.

Former UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is targeting UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for his first fight in 2025. "So, there's no official fight signed, but I told the UFC maybe two or three months ago that March was the date I was looking for,

Gaethje, 36, is chomping at the bit to come back, but knew he’d have to take an adequate amount of time off after getting knocked out against Holloway. He expects to face Dan Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC), who emerged as a top lightweight contender after picking up an upset win over Mateusz Gamrot.