ChaseHooper doesn’t want to rush his climb to the upper echelon ofthe Ultimate Fighting Championship's lightweight roster.
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Hooper (12-3) made his promotional debut in 2019 as an undefeated10-0-1 prospect and went on to score a first-round stoppage winover DanielTeymur. While “The Dream” continues to show flashes ofbrilliance, his career has since gone back and forth as he'sencountered steeper competition.
Currently 4-3 in the UFC and coming off a decision win overNickFiore in May, Hooper is set to take on JordanLeavitt (11-2) at UFCFight Night 232 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday.Reflecting on his career so far, the 24-year-old from Enumclaw,Washington, recently detailed his career strategy to stay in thegame for the long run.
“The Dream” believes a slow and steady approach is the way toensure a lengthy successful career.
“My second fight in the UFC was against a 20-fight vet in [Alex]Caceres, and I felt like he was more savvy than me; he had a betterskill set than me. I think I had been a pro for two years at thattime versus a guy that has been in the UFC for a decade,” Hoopersaid in an on UFC.com.
“At 155 [pounds], I’m in the same weight class as these vets likeDustinPoirier, Conor [McGregor], TonyFerguson — these guys that have 20, 30 fights; a crazy amountof professional experience at the highest level. So, I’d like tostick to guys that are like myself — still gonna make somemistakes, still gonna rush in there a little — not like these vetsthat are gonna fight like a vet would: win on points, play the gamebecause they know the sport so well. I like fighting people with asmuch experience as I have because I think it makes for betterfights, better matchups.
“I’m trying to bide my time, move up the mountain a little slower,and make sure I’m still here for another 15 fights in the UFC. It’sall about taking my time. This is definitely a marathon if you wantto make a living off of it.”
The UFC Fight Night 232 card will be headlined by a middleweightmatchup between BrendanAllen (22-5) and former light heavyweight competitor Paul Craig(17-6).
