Hooker reveals career-high payday for Parnasse debut and jokes he'd fight Ngannou for the same fee

Dan Hooker has described his upcoming fight purse for UFC Paris as the biggest of his career, telling RMC Sport Combat that the money on offer is so significant he would take on former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou at the same rate. Hooker (24-14) faces promotional debutant Salahdine Parnasse (23-2) in Paris on 5 September.

“I’d fight Francis Ngannou for the amount of money they are paying,” Hooker said. “So, they give me this kind of stepper on the scale with the same weight as me… Biggest payday of my career for sure.”

The New Zealander, nicknamed “The Hangman”, has built a reputation for accepting fights that other contenders turn down. He welcomed Michael Chandler to the UFC in a similar role and has since indicated he would do the same for Usman Nurmagomedov, currently regarded as the most sought-after free agent in mixed martial arts.

Parnasse arrives at UFC Paris with a 23-2 record and the backing of a home crowd, making the assignment a genuine test for Hooker despite the promotional newcomer status. Hooker, however, appears unfazed — and well compensated — as he steps into what amounts to hostile territory in the French capital.

The Ngannou remark was made in jest, but it underlines Hooker’s broader point: that the UFC has rewarded him handsomely for his willingness to serve as a credible, experienced opponent for high-profile debutants. Whether that financial recognition translates into a victory over Parnasse on fight night remains to be seen.