New Zealand fighter Dan Hooker. Photo / Photosport
New Zealand fighter Dan Hooker. Photo / Photosport
Check the latest obstacle off on Dan Hooker's odyssey to UFC 266 in Las Vegas.
The Kiwi Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight contender can now find comfort in the fact his fight against German power puncher Nasrat Haqparast on Sunday will happen, with a last-minute meeting at the United States Embassyto secure his visa.
"It feels good to get that ticked off," Hooker told the Herald. "I've been staying positive the whole time so I had my fingers crossed it was going to come through anyway.
"I'm ready. Even though it's a big deal getting the visa, that's the easy part in all of this."
The visa system was delayed after Auckland moved into alert Covid alert level 4 last month, with Hooker having to mail in the appropriate forms with his passport, which would then eventually be mailed back to him.
Last week, Hooker said the last update he had was that they would be sent to him next week, which would be too late. After sending messages and calling on the wider mixed martial arts fan base for support on social media, he secured a meeting at the US Embassy in Auckland on Monday morning.
Dan Hooker will be fighting at UFC 266 this weekend. Photo / Getty Images.
The 31-year-old was scheduled to fly out to Vegas last Sunday, but with the meeting set for Monday, he had to change his plans. Now, he faces one of the most frantic fight-week schedules imaginable.
Hooker will fly out from Auckland on Thursday night - the next available flight - and arrive in Las Vegas on Thursday night (US time), with weigh-ins at 9am on Friday morning and his fight on Saturday.
Regardless of the schedule, Hooker said he was feeling good about getting over there and getting to work.
"I'm in great shape, I get to get out there and perform, chuck that flag up and carry it on my shoulders.
"I'm excited. This whole thing has been a challenge. It's exciting, it's a test, and it's the most exciting lockdown I've had - let's just say that."
Earlier in camp, Hooker's training was disrupted when the City Kickboxing bubble - set up before level 4 lockdown went into force - was split up due to a police warning. Hooker and a few others were then warned a second time for preparing him for his fight at his own gym, the Combat Academy in Ellerslie.
It hasn't just been Hooker's fight camp that was disrupted. Haqparast, who comes into the bout unranked but with wins in five of his past six bouts, lost his mother last week but confirmed he would still step in the cage opposite Hooker.
The fight will take place on the main prelims, with two title fights - including Australian Alexander Volkanovski putting his featherweight strap on the line - headlining the pay-per-view section of the card.
