The ‘popular fighter returns’ element of September 25’s UFC 266 just added another layer.

Dan ‘Hangman’ Hooker, the popular New Zealander who holds the No. 8 spot in the UFC’s lightweight rankings, will be appearing on the card against Nasrat Haqparast, who had previously called him out on social media. Hooker (20-10 MMA, 10-6 UFC) last fought in the co-headliner of UFC 257, welcoming Michael Chandler to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Haqparast (13-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) scored a decision over Rafa Garcia on March 13. He has won two straight fights, while Hooker has lost two straight.

Prior to the Chandler fight, Hooker came up short in a five-round war against Dustin Poirier that was a Fight of the Year contender in 2020. It was his second consecutive five round fight, after he took a razor-thin split decision from Paul Felder four months prior. That win placed Hooker at 7-1 since moving to lightweight in the UFC. Now 7-3 at 155, Hooker is still dangerous. Haqparast’s most recent loss was a quick first-round knockout at the hands of Drew Dober at UFC 246.

This fight, like most that these two fighters are in, has fireworks written all over it. As fans have seen, Hooker is well equipped to win a gritty fight, but Haqparast is as tough a prospect as any in the loaded lightweight division.

Whatever the result, this is a booking that adds massive appeal to an already sensational fight card, which also includes the return of Nick Diaz in a five-round featured bout.