Dan Hooker Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, UFC, MMA, Career, Height, Instagram

Daniel Preston Hooker also known as Dan Hooker is an elite New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer competing in the UFC lightweight division.

Nicknamed The Hangman, he is celebrated for his sharp striking, knockout power, slick submissions, and warrior spirit, rising from Auckland roots to become one of the most respected fighters in the lightweight rankings while inspiring fans with his resilience and family-first values.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Daniel Preston Hooker
• Stage Name: Dan Hooker
• Born: February 13, 1990
• Age: 36 years old
• Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Ethnicity: Partial Māori (Ngāti Maniapoto) and European
• Occupation: Mixed Martial Artist, Former Kickboxer
• Height: 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. Hooker and Mrs. Hooker
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Isabella Hooker
• Children: Zoe
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2.5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Daniel Preston Hooker was born on February 13, 1990, in Auckland, New Zealand. He was brought up by his parents Mr. Hooker and Mrs. Hooker in Auckland into a family of partial Māori (Ngāti Maniapoto) descent.

He grew up playing both codes of rugby during his school years at Mount Albert Grammar School, developing physical resilience and team values. After leaving school a friend introduced him to mixed martial arts. He began training in local New Zealand gyms before expanding his skills internationally. His ethnicity is partial Māori and European. His religion is Christianity.

Career

Dan Hooker turned professional in mixed martial arts in 2009 and built an impressive record with powerful knockouts and submissions. He transitioned from kickboxing where he held titles such as King in the Ring Middleweight Champion. Joining the UFC in 2014 he competed in both featherweight and lightweight divisions showcasing elite striking and fight IQ.

Known for memorable wars against top contenders like Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Mateusz Gamrot and others, Hooker earned multiple Fight of the Night bonuses and climbed the lightweight rankings.

He runs his own gym The Combat Academy in Auckland and trains at City Kickboxing. As of 2026 he remains ranked in the top 10 lightweight division despite recent losses to Arman Tsarukyan and Benoît Saint Denis. His career highlights include 11 UFC wins by knockout and a reputation for never backing down in five-round battles. Hooker continues to compete at the highest level while mentoring young fighters and balancing family life.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @danhangman
• YouTube Channel: Dan Hooker
• X Handle: @danhangman

Personal Life

Dan Hooker, 36 years old, is married to Isabella Hooker, a yoga instructor, whom he wed around 2016. They share one daughter Zoe who often appears in his social media and UFC vlogs.

There are publicly known recent allegations of infidelity involving a past arrangement that surfaced in early 2026 leading to online controversy and family tensions, though Hooker has addressed them while affirming his commitment to his wife and children as his rock and world. He prioritizes family time and training in Auckland. His height is 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm).

Net Worth

Dan Hooker’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million USD. His income primarily comes from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, and disclosed career earnings exceeding $1.7 million from bouts. Additional revenue streams include sponsorships, his Combat Academy gym operations, coaching, merchandise, and kickboxing background deals. Consistent rankings and fan support have helped build his wealth through smart career management and New Zealand-based businesses.