UFC Paris landed one of the biggest free agents in MMA when Salahdine Parnasse signed with the promotion, and he is set to make his long-awaited debut against Dan Hooker on September 5 at the Accor Arena. For Parnasse, it’s a dream scenario: making his first UFC walk in front of a home crowd in France.
The French standout enters the Octagon with plenty of momentum. He most recently scored a first-round TKO over Kenneth Cross at MVP MMA’s inaugural event on Netflix in May, capping off an impressive 16-fight run under the KSW banner.
Hooker, meanwhile, is looking to get his career back on track. “The Hangman” is riding a two-fight losing streak after falling to Arman Tsarukyan and Benoit Saint-Denis, making this main event a must-win opportunity to re-establish himself in the lightweight title picture.
We know you’ve been waiting for this ‼️@SalahdineP has signed with the UFC and will face @danthehangman for the main event at #UFCParis !
[ SEP 5 | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Zz7EuwrqSZ
— UFC (@ufc) July 25, 2026
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But ever since the matchup was announced, Hooker says he’s been dealing with something he didn’t expect. Speaking to Submission Radio, the New Zealander revealed he’s been flooded with abusive messages from French fans, something he says never happened before.
He said, “I feel like I’m pissing off this kid. 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.”
According to Hooker, the reaction has been far more hostile than what he experienced before facing fellow Frenchman Benoit Saint-Denis. He added, “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.”
For Hooker, this situation feels completely different. He believes the fanbase behind Parnasse has taken things to another level. He explained, “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. The people that follow him or support him aren’t complete fucking cunts. But whoever this cunt’s fans are, they are outrageous.”
Despite the hateful messages, Hooker doesn’t sound intimidated. If anything, it’s only added fuel to the fire. The veteran says he’s fully embracing the role of the villain and can’t wait to silence the crowd in Paris.
Hooker claimed, “It’s going to feel pretty sweet shutting this kid’s lights out. Making these guys eat their words. I don’t feel like the UFC has it out for me. I just feel like they think I’m the only one dumb enough to fight a kid that is unranked.”
Hooker made it clear that his goal isn’t just to beat Parnasse but to spoil one of the biggest nights of French MMA. He concluded with, “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 fuck everyone’s night up. That’s my plan.”
For Parnasse, this is the biggest moment of his career. A win over a veteran like Hooker in his UFC debut would instantly put him on the lightweight map. For Hooker, it’s a chance to remind everyone why he’s been one of the division’s toughest competitors for more than a decade.
The New Zealander has been with the UFC since 2014 and enjoyed his best run between 2017 and 2020, establishing himself as one of the lightweight division’s top contenders. Now, he’ll head into hostile territory looking to spoil France’s biggest MMA celebration and prove he still belongs among the division’s elite.
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