Dan Hooker knew why he signed up, win or lose, against Dustin Poirier. After traveling from New Zealand to Las Vegas to fight in last weekend’s UFC main event on ESPN 12, Hooker knew he would have to spend two weeks in mandatory isolation on his return.
However, that doesn’t make the reality of what you’re enduring less heartbreaking.
After coming off the losing side of a unanimous decision in a “Fight of the Year” contender with Poirier (26-6 MMA, 18-5 UFC), Hooker (20-9 MMA, 10-5 UFC) is home and has their quarantine began. He has been able to see his family but only from a distance since physical contact is not allowed and those rules are being strictly enforced.
Hooker posted a pretty heartbreaking photo of him visiting his daughter, but they were separated by a pair of fences (via
So close and yet so far! #the family above all
Hooker was all smiles in the photo he posted, and that stays in line with his attitude from the fight. Despite falling short on his biggest career opportunity, Hooker said he was just a “roadblock” and that he intends to return better.
The sacrifices made to compete in the UFC on ESPN 12 were also not lost on Hooker’s opponent. Poirier offered a message of support in return (via Twitter):
Sorry, you’re going through this man. Stay strong brother
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