Tag: Hooker

  • ‘You’ll be missed’… Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and more UFC stars pay tribute after shock death of 26-year-old fighter

    ‘You’ll be missed’… Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and more UFC stars pay tribute after shock death of 26-year-old fighter


    The sudden death of an MMA prospect has rocked Israel Adesanya and several other UFC stars.

    Hakaraia Wilson has died aged 26. The Kiwi fighter was in Gisborne, New Zealand to attend a three-day music festival called Rhythm and Vines.

    Police found his body when they were called to attend to a sudden death, with a spokesperson saying, “The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.”

    Now the MMA community is mourning the shocking loss of a potential star just days after boxing fans were stunned by the sudden death of Paul Bamba.

    UFC stars pay tribute to Hakaraia Wilson

    Wilson started his MMA career in 2020. The welterweight fighter won six times and lost just once during his amateur run, which came to an end in 2023.

    As a professional, he boasted a record of four wins and three losses. Wilson’s final MMA fight saw him beat Mark Alcoba by technical knockout in Bali last October.

    Israel Adesanya paid tribute by posting a video of Wilson on his Instagram story.

    Dan Hooker wrote: ‘Fly high brother before sharing the same clip as Adesanya, which included the caption: ‘You’ll be missed my brother.

    UFC Flyweight contender Kai Kara-France said: “Heartbreaking! Fly high my Maori. Too many of our young tane taken too soon.’”

    UFC light heavyweight star Carlos Ulberg, who is currently preparing to face ex-champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC London in March, simply posted a photo of Wilson celebrating after one of his MMA wins.

    Who was Hakaraia Wilson?

    Wilson told his MMA story in a 2020 interview with Te Ao Māori News. It began at a very early age with some guidance from his father, who was also a fighter and helped his son become skilled in Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, karate, and kickboxing.

    “I started getting into fighting under the guidance of my dad,” Wilson said.

    “He was a fighter back in the day and, as I was growing up, I’d go to his training and watch him.

    “From then I knew what I wanted to do and so, without my dad I probably wouldn’t have chosen to do this sport.”

    After his final MMA win, he posted a positive message about bouncing back from defeat in empathic fashion.

    “Took an L in May, learned from it & turned da page,” Wilson wrote on Instagram.

    “Been waiting a minute for a chance to wash dat taste out of my mouth n show how much I’ve grown. Shout out to my coaches n my people for havin my back thru it all. Forever in debt.

    “I love this s*** & I’m here to stay.”

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    The MMA community is in mourning following the tragic death of 26-year-old fighter, who passed away unexpectedly. UFC stars such as Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker have taken to social media to pay tribute to the young fighter, sharing their memories and expressing their condolences to his family and friends.

    Adesanya wrote, “You were a warrior inside and outside of the cage. Your passion for the sport was infectious and your smile lit up the room. You’ll be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend.”

    Hooker also shared his thoughts, saying, “It’s hard to believe you’re gone. You were a true talent and a great person. My thoughts are with your loved ones during this difficult time. Rest easy, brother.”

    Other UFC stars have also joined in paying tribute to the fallen fighter, sharing their own stories and memories of him. The loss of such a young and promising talent has left the MMA community in shock, but it has also brought them together in support of one another during this difficult time.

    Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the fighter during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, and know that you will be missed dearly.

    Tags:

    1. Israel Adesanya
    2. Dan Hooker
    3. UFC stars
    4. Tribute
    5. Shock death
    6. 26-year-old fighter
    7. MMA community
    8. Condolences
    9. Remembrance
    10. MMA tragedy

    #Youll #missed #Israel #Adesanya #Dan #Hooker #UFC #stars #pay #tribute #shock #death #26yearold #fighter

  • Dan Campbell: Teddy Bridgewater signing not a sign of disappointment in Hendon Hooker

    Dan Campbell: Teddy Bridgewater signing not a sign of disappointment in Hendon Hooker


    Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the team’s decision to sign quarterback Teddy Bridgewater at a Thursday press conference.

    Bridgewater had been out of the NFL this season and won a state title as a high school football coach in Miami, but said recently that he hoped to return to the league and news that the Lions would sign him came earlier in the day. Campbell told reporters that the team has been in contact with Bridgewater for some time and that he brings “professionalism” to the team as they head into the postseason.

    Campbell also said that the move to add Bridgewater was not a sign that they are disappointed in Hendon Hooker. The 2023 third-round pick has served as Jared Goff’s backup all season and Campbell said he has gotten “a little bit better” each week, but called the playoffs “a different world” while citing the value of Bridgewater’s experience.

    If all goes well for the Lions, both Bridgewater and Hooker will be observers throughout the playoffs but the team now has options if they need to go to a backup plan at any point.





    Dan Campbell: Teddy Bridgewater signing not a sign of disappointment in Hendon Hooker

    Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is making it clear that the recent signing of Teddy Bridgewater is not a sign of disappointment in young quarterback Hendon Hooker. Despite bringing in Bridgewater, Campbell is confident in Hooker’s abilities and sees the veteran quarterback as a valuable mentor for the rookie.

    In a recent press conference, Campbell addressed the signing of Bridgewater and emphasized that it was more about adding depth and experience to the quarterback room rather than a reflection of Hooker’s performance. He praised Hooker’s work ethic and potential, stating that he is excited to continue developing him as a player.

    Campbell’s reassurance to fans and the media highlights his confidence in Hooker’s future with the team. By bringing in Bridgewater, the Lions are adding a seasoned veteran who can provide guidance and support to Hooker as he continues to grow and develop in the NFL.

    Overall, Campbell’s comments show that the Lions are committed to nurturing Hooker’s talent and are confident in his ability to succeed in the league. The addition of Bridgewater only strengthens the team’s quarterback room and provides valuable experience for the young signal-caller.

    Tags:

    Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions, NFL, Teddy Bridgewater, Hendon Hooker, quarterback, signing, disappointment, Detroit Lions news, NFL offseason, quarterback competition, Detroit Lions roster.

    #Dan #Campbell #Teddy #Bridgewater #signing #sign #disappointment #Hendon #Hooker