Dan Hooker reveals he’s been receiving ‘outrageous’ death threats after booking Salahdine Parnasse fight

Dan Hooker has emerged as the unlikely villain heading into his UFC Paris main event against rising French prospect Salahdine Parnasse on September 5 at the Accor Arena. The New Zealand veteran accepted the assignment to travel to enemy territory and face Parnasse in his UFC octagon debut, but the announcement has triggered a wave of hostile responses from French fans.

Hooker revealed to Submission Radio that he has been inundated with death threats and vile messages since the fight was made official over the weekend. The vitriol shocked him, particularly given his previous outing against another French favorite, Benoit Saint Denis, did not generate anywhere near the same level of aggression. Hooker attributed the difference to Saint Denis's respectful demeanor and the nature of his fanbase, contrasting it sharply with what he characterized as the more hostile supporters backing Parnasse.

"The death threats have been outrageous," Hooker said. "I didn't get it when I fought Benoit Saint Denis." He described being targeted by French-speaking messages wishing death upon him, something he experienced at a far less intense level previously.

Rather than back down, Hooker is leaning into the role of spoiler and using the negativity as fuel. He views his mission as derailing Parnasse's promotional trajectory and dampening the excitement surrounding the prospect's UFC debut as a main-event headliner. "It's going to feel pretty sweet shutting this kid's lights out," Hooker said. "I'm here to ruin hopes and dreams." He plans to arrive in France with the explicit goal of disrupting the night for everyone invested in Parnasse's ascent, positioning himself as the obstacle between the prospect and stardom.