Dan Hooker receives death threats following fight announcement against Salahdine Parnasse

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Dan Hooker of New Zealand prepares to face Benoit Saint Denis of France in a lightweight fight during the UFC 325 event at Qudos Bank Arena on February 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) Dan Hooker didn’t blink when the UFC came calling with an offer for his next fight where he’s steps into enemy territory to face highly touted prospect Salahdine Parnasse in his octagon debut as the main event for UFC Paris in September. Of course, Hooker has no problem playing spoiler or just being the villain in this fight because he understands the assignment. That said, Hooker admits he’s been shocked at how many vile messages he’s received from French fans after the fight against Parnasse was first announced this past weekend. “I feel like I’m pissing off this kid,” Hooker told Submission Radio. “You’re ruining his plans. You’re ruining these boys in France. From memory, I can’t even say I watched any of the French events. :The death threats have been outrageous. 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. The death threats have been outrageous.” Hooker says he didn’t experience anything like this when he as booked against another French favorite in Benoit Saint Denis in his previous outing. But the rabid fans backing Parnasse have been out in full force and coming after him from the moment the fight was made official. :I think maybe because BSD, he’s obviously French as well my last opponent, I feel like because he’s just such a respectful guy,” Hooker said about Saint Denis. “The people that follow him or support him aren’t complete f*cking c*nts. But whoever this c*nt’s fans are, [they] are outrageous.” While receiving death threats is never a good time, Hooker is using the bombardment of messages as motivation to go out there and give Parnasse a very rude welcome to the UFC. Parnasse seems like a potential superstar, especially considering the UFC is giving him a main event for his first appearance in the promotion, but none of that matters much to Hooker. “It’s going to feel pretty sweet shutting this kid’s lights out,” Hooker said about Parnasses. “Making these guys eat their words. “I’m here to ruin hopes and dreams. 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. That’s my plan.” Hooker faces Parnasses in the UFC Paris main event on Sept. 5 from the Accor Arena.

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Dan Hooker is fully embracing the villain role ahead of his fight against France's Salahdine Parnasse at UFC Paris.