UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has once again stirred controversy with his latest backyard brawling venture. He recently hosted a “convicts only” tournament in Christchurch that saw former inmates battle it out for a $50,000 prize. The event, livestreamed to a growing global audience, marked the third installment of Hooker’s increasingly popular “1 Minute Scraps” series.
The tournament featured nearly 30 participants, all with criminal backgrounds, competing in a knockout-style format with strict rules overseen by referee Tony. “I know a lot of you probably don’t like following rules, but today it’s important,” Tony told the assembled contenders before the action began. The regulations were clear: closed-fist strikes only, no elbows or kicks, and immediate stoppage once an opponent hit the ground.
Hooker told participants: “This right here is for boys that want to get down and they want to throw some hands and they don’t care whether they knock the other guy out or they get knocked out themselves.”
The caption for the event read: “This one’s for the lads the system failed.”
The tournament’s unique wildcard system meant even losing fighters could re-enter the competition, keeping participants engaged throughout the event. Fighters wore 4oz MMA gloves over hand wraps, with a 100kg weight limit enforced – one participant was required to win by knockout only after failing to make weight.
The event culminated in an intense final between competitors known as “Ena” and “Coco,” with Coco ultimately claiming the $50,000 prize. Hooker praised the winner’s aggressive style, noting it embodied what the format was designed to showcase, rather than defensive counter-striking.
The prize money continues to be funded by social media influencer “The Doctor,” who specializes in streaming and gambling content.
Despite ongoing criticism from boxing officials who have labeled the events “straight-out thuggery,” Hooker remains defiant about his vision.
