Overview
- Hooker responded to Pimblett’s earlier jibe about his grappling with a post reading “RIP Ricky,” referencing a friend of Pimblett who died by suicide.
- Pimblett said the message insinuated he failed his friend and called the remark “below the belt,” while stressing he never insulted Hooker’s mother.
- Hooker’s brief post offered no explanation of intent, and no apology or clarification has been reported.
- Pimblett meets Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on Jan. 24; Hooker faces Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325 on Jan. 31.
- Pimblett has previously spoken publicly about Ricky and mental-health support, which he cited in condemning references to the deceased.