Dan Hooker, the popular New Zealand UFC lightweight known as “The Hangman,” continues to stay in the spotlight in late 2025 as he prepares for a major main event against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night in Qatar. At 35 years old, Dan has fought through injuries and setbacks to climb back into the top 10. His toughness, discipline, and never-quit attitude still make him one of the most exciting fighters in the sport.
But outside of the octagon, Dan’s life looks very different. His true strength comes from his family. He is a devoted husband, a proud father, and someone who openly credits his home life for keeping him grounded and motivated.
Who Is Dan Hooker’s Wife?
Dan Hooker’s wife is Isabella Hooker. The couple has been together for many years and officially married in 2016. Their wedding took place in Phuket, Thailand, and was a small, intimate ceremony with only close family and friends. The simple and peaceful setting perfectly matched their personalities.
Isabella is private and stays away from media attention, but fans who follow Dan know how important she is in his life. She has supported him through the highs and lows of his fighting career.
Isabella Hooker’s Career and Personality
Isabella works as a yoga instructor, a role that suits her calm and balanced nature. Her background in yoga brings harmony into their busy household, especially considering the unpredictable lifestyle that comes with being married to a UFC fighter.
Yoga plays a major role in her daily routine, and she often uses her knowledge to help Dan with flexibility, recovery, breathing, and stress control during tough training camps. Her peaceful energy helps keep their home environment relaxed even during high-pressure fight weeks.
Dan has spoken many times in interviews about how well Isabella understands the demands of his career—from long training camps to sudden travel, tough cuts to lightweight, and the physical damage that comes with fighting at the highest level. Whenever he returns home tired or injured, she is the one who helps him recover and refocus.
How Dan and Isabella Met
Dan and Isabella first met in New Zealand through mutual friends. At the time, Dan was rising through the ranks in kickboxing and MMA. Their relationship began with a strong friendship, which eventually grew into a deep partnership built on respect, trust, and shared values.
The two connected naturally. Isabella came from a grounded, hardworking background, and her personality fit perfectly with Dan’s dedication to the sport and family.
Choosing Thailand for their wedding was intentional. It offered them a beautiful, quiet location far from the noise of the fighting world. Their ceremony was heartfelt and meaningful, marking the start of a marriage that has only grown stronger with time.
Dan and Isabella’s Family Life
Dan and Isabella have built a warm and loving home in Auckland, New Zealand. They are parents to two children:
• Zoey – their daughter, born in November 2018
• Their second child – born in early 2025
Zoey, now seven years old, is full of energy and one of Dan’s greatest joys. He often shares stories about spending time with her—visiting the beach, going on hikes, or simply enjoying life after long training camps. Coming home to his daughter after being away for months is one of the things Dan values most.
Their second child, born in 2025, has brought even more happiness to the family. Dan even turned down a potential fight with Conor McGregor in February 2025 so he could be present for the birth. This decision made headlines, showing the world how much he prioritizes family over fame.
The Hooker household enjoys a simple and balanced lifestyle when Dan is not at City Kickboxing training with teammates like Israel Adesanya. They spend time outdoors, host barbecues, and enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty. Isabella’s yoga background helps the entire family stay active and healthy.
When injuries sidelined Dan earlier in 2025, he focused on his family before returning to competition. Their support system played a huge role in his recovery.
Isabella’s Role in Dan’s Career
Throughout Dan’s career—from kickboxing championships to UFC classics like his war with Dustin Poirier—Isabella has been a constant source of support. She stays steady even when Dan makes tough decisions or accepts short-notice fights.
One example Dan shared in interviews was when he got a sudden call offering him a dangerous fight against Islam Makhachev. When he told Isabella, her calm response was simply, “Yeah, alright.” No complaints, no hesitation. She understands his passion and supports his choices.
This level of understanding and trust is rare, and it plays a major role in Dan’s mental strength.
Dan Hooker Outside the Octagon
Beyond fighting, Dan is a gym owner, coach, and family man. He runs Combat Academy in Auckland, where he trains young fighters and gives back to the community. He enjoys New Zealand’s lifestyle—hiking, surfing, and spending time with his loved ones.
Dan has become more open about mental health over the years and has talked about how the support of his wife and children helps him manage the pressure and stress of fighting professionally. Fatherhood, especially, has changed his perspective. He wants to set a strong example for Zoey and his younger child—showing them that discipline, kindness, and hard work matter.
Conclusion
Dan Hooker is known for his exciting fights and iron toughness, but behind his success is a strong and supportive family. His wife, Isabella, is a constant source of calm, strength, and encouragement. Their marriage is built on trust and understanding, and together they are raising a loving family in Auckland.
As Dan continues his journey in the UFC and aims for another run toward the lightweight title, one thing remains clear: his greatest support system is waiting for him at home. Isabella and their children are his foundation, helping him stay focused, humble, and motivated.
The Hooker family’s story shows that even in a tough sport like MMA, love, stability, and family can be a fighter’s strongest advantage.
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