MONTREAL, January 19, 2026 — A frustrating cycle of injuries and setbacks has fueled Dan Hooker’s determination to reclaim his place among the UFC’s elite, and he’s eager to remind fans of his capabilities this weekend. The British fighter, with victories over Gilbert Melendez, Sodiq Yusuff, Dan Hooker, and Calvin Kattar, has openly discussed the mental toll of being sidelined.
Battling Back From the Brink
Dan Hooker details his struggles with injury, inconsistency, and the mental challenges of being on the sidelines, as he prepares for a pivotal fight.
- Hooker acknowledges a period of depression stemming from his inability to control his fight schedule due to injuries.
- The Tristar Gym-trained fighter admits his career-focused life sometimes impacts his personal well-being.
- Despite shifts in the division, Hooker believes a win this weekend can propel him back into contention.
- He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what he *can* control: training and preparation.
“For the last five years, I’ve been on the doorstep, but injuries, inconsistency, a bit of bad luck, all these things — none of that is in my control,” Allen began. “I’ve learned to do what I can do and control what I can control, and that’s train hard, get back, and try and win fights.”
The affable Brit, who trains at Montreal’s Tristar Gym, revealed the emotional strain of recent years. “For the last year, I lost my mind trying to focus on the things I can do,” he continued. “My life is very career-driven, and I love my career — I want to give it that push and achieve my goals — so I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit I was pissed off in that sense, and I’d also be a liar if I didn’t say it trickles into my personal life sometimes.”
What is the biggest challenge for a fighter when injured? Dealing with the lack of control is incredibly difficult, leading to frustration and even depression, as Hooker experienced. “When I’m in camp and full focus, it’s easier, because you’re on task; you’re on the train, and you’re moving. When you’re on the sidelines and injured, that sucks. I dealt with a little bit of depression because (in those moments), you can’t control anything. You watch the division, watch the guys; even the controllables don’t matter at that point.”
However, Hooker projects a renewed sense of optimism. “But we’re all good,” he added with a smile. “I’m in a good place, excited to perform, and excited to remind everyone who I am and what I do.”
The UFC lightweight division has evolved since Allen’s last bout, but he remains strategically positioned for a significant climb. A victory this weekend could catapult him back into the heart of the title chase, demonstrating his resilience and reaffirming his place among the division’s top contenders.
