UFC lightweight Dan Hooker is doubling down on his controversial backyard combat sports venture, announcing plans for a second tournament with a twist that’s sure to intensify the debate surrounding his unconventional events.
In a video announcement, the Auckland native revealed his “One Minute Scraps” tournament is expanding to Christchurch for its South Island debut, scheduled for seven weeks from now. But this time, Hooker has made one thing crystal clear: “convicts only need apply.”
The announcement comes on the heels of significant controversy surrounding Hooker’s inaugural backyard tournament held at his Auckland home on May 24. That $33,500 prize event featured 32 amateur competitors.
It caught the attention of New Zealand law enforcement when participant Jon Paul ‘Fightdog’ Te Rito, a senior Mongrel Mob gang member, allegedly violated his bail conditions by competing while wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet.
Despite the legal drama that followed, Hooker successfully defended Te Rito’s participation, writing a letter of support to the court. “The judge ruled his attendance at my event did not breach his bail and he was able to return home,” Hooker announced on Instagram, celebrating alongside Te Rito’s supporters outside the courthouse.
The 35-year-old UFC star is currently sidelined with a hand injury. He has remained defiant in the face of criticism from boxing officials and media who called his events “straight-out thuggery.” New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association president Billy Meehan warned that participants “aren’t conditioned enough to be there” and predicted serious injuries.
“There’s a few lefties having a sulk, but once everyone watches the full 45 minutes and sees the respect for the competitors, since when did putting gloves on in the backyard and having a punch-up become illegal?” Hooker told the Ariel Helwani Show.
Rather than backing down, the controversy appears to have emboldened Hooker. “Now you’ve challenged me. I was going to leave it but now there are people trying to stop me,” he declared. “Now I am honour-bound and forced to pursue it.”
The new Christchurch event will feature a 100kg maximum weight limit and promises live streaming capabilities for supporters to “catch the action live.” Hooker is asking interested participants to submit their name, weight, and experience for consideration.
Hooker has consistently defended his events as providing legitimate opportunities for rehabilitation and self-expression. In his court letter supporting Te Rito, he described the tournament as “a platform for self expression, and a healthy outlet to cope with life’s pressures.”
“Physical activity is a proven tool to help men overcome mental health issues, such as depression or addiction,” Hooker wrote. “It can be more productive than an unrelatable counselling session.”
The original tournament implemented safety measures including medical checks, judges, and medics on site. “It ran smooth, not a single issue,” Hooker told The Mac Life. “We had one competitor hurt his arm punching someone else. And that was the most serious injury we had for the day.”
Participant Cameron Harcourt defended the concept, arguing it provides structure to inevitable confrontations. “We’re going to compete anyway,” he said. “The thuggery is taken out and we’ve turned it into a sport.”
As the seven-week countdown begins, all eyes will be on whether New Zealand authorities and critics will attempt to intervene before Hooker’s unconventional vision makes its South Island debut.
