Injury scratches Dan Hooker from UFC Austin bout with Bobby Green

The UFC’s return to Texas has lost one half of the event’s pivotal lightweight bouts.

Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that an injury has forced Dan Hooker out of his scheduled five-round co-main event matchup with Bobby Green at UFC Austin. The New Zealand Herald was first to report.

The promotion is seeking a replacement opponent for Green, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

UFC Austin takes place Dec. 2 at Moody Center in Austin and airs on ESPN+. It is headlined by a lightweight matchup between top-tier lightweights Beneil Dariush and Arman Tsarukyan.

This is the second time an injury has scratched Hooker from a bout in 2023. “The Hangman” was set to face Jalin Turner at UFC 285 in March, but a broken hand forced him out. Hooker would eventually face Turner in a thrilling contest at July’s UFC 290 event, where he earned a split decision victory to extend his winning streak to two.

Should Green remain on the card, he’ll look to extend his unbeaten streak in 2023, which includes back-to-back stoppage wins in bouts against Tony Ferguson and Grant Dawson.