LAS VEGAS – Chase Hooper isn’t trying to go after the oldest names in the lightweight division, but it could be the way the stars align after UFC 310.
Hooper (15-3-1 MMA, 7-3 UFC) improved to 4-0 since moving up to 155 pounds from featherweight on Saturday when he submitted Clay Guida with an armbar in the opening round of their fight at T-Mobile Arena.
The matchup between Hooper, 25, and Guida, 43, marked the largest age disparity between opponents in modern UFC history, and the younger fighter got it done.
In the aftermath of the performance, Hooper was floated the idea of a matchup with Jim Miller next. Despite being 41, Miller (38-18 MMA, 27-17 UFC) has won six of his past eight octagon appearances and holds multiple all-time records in the company, including most wins in UFC history.
“I don’t see why not,” Hooper told MMA Junkie and other reporters of a matchup with Miller post-fight at UFC 310. “I felt kind of the same way about Clay. He’s an older guy, for sure, but he’s still doing the damn thing. He’s still in here going against these young guys and he’s still doing well. Jim’s still subbing guys. And that’d be a good fight. If it wasn’t such a stacked card like this I felt like me and Clay could be on the main card on a lot of events. I think that would be a fun one. Why not?”
Hooper made his UFC debut in December 2019 as a wide-eyed 19-year-old signed off Dana White’s Contender Series. Many questioned his ability to make a career for himself on this stage after some rough early performances, but now Hooper is coming into form and the results have proved it.
With 10 UFC fights now under his belt, Hooper is now comfortable and confident. That’s only going to keep growing, and he said it might not be long until he can show off his skills again.
“I’m 25 now,” Hooper said. “It’s been seven years since I’ve been on the Contender Series and I feel like a completely different fighter. This is normal to me. It feels good. It feels like I am ready.
“It seems they might try to get me for the Seattle card now (on Feb. 22). If the matchup is right, we’ll do it. Physically I don’t feel too bad. If they want to shelf me a little bit longer, we’ll go on vacation. I’m feeling good either way.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.
