Report - Dan Hooker Returns, Meets Nasrat Haqparast At UFC 266 On September 25th.

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari - Zuffa LLC

A lightweight pairing between the #8 ranked contender, Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker, and the rising prospect, Nasrat Haqparast has been booked for UFC 266 on September 25. from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Attempting to snap a two-fight skid, City Kickboxing mainstay, Hooker dropped a stunning first round knockout loss to recent vacant title challenger, Michael Chandler in the co-headlining bout of UFC 256 back in January on 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

For German-born prospect, Haqparast, he's managed to return from a knockout defeat to Drew Dober back in January of last year with a pair of unanimous decision victories both Alexander Munhoz and Rafa Garcia. BJPENN.com reporter, Cole Shelton was first to report the bout.

Prior to his opening round knockout defeat to former three-time Bellator lightweight best, Chandler, Hooker suffered a unanimous decision loss to former interim champion, Dustin Poirier in a Fight of the Year contender at UFC Vegas 4 in June of last year.

An exciting striking talent, the 31-year-old Auckland native has managed to lodge career wins over the likes of Ross Pearson, Marc Diakiese, Jim Miller, one-time welterweight title challenger, Gilbert Burns, James Vick, Al Iaquinta, as well as his most recent victory against the retired UFC color commentator, Paul Felder.

In arguably his most high-profile outing to date, seven-fight Octagon veteran, Haqparast meets Hooker attempting to possibly nab the Kiwi's ranking in the division's top-ten. 

The 25-year-old Hamburg-born knockout ace has taken nine separate knockout victories, and during his UFC stint, has bested the likes of common-foe, Diakiese, as well as Thibault Goiti, and Joaquim Silva.

UFC 266 takes place on September 25. from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada -- as a featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega takes main event honors. In the night's co-headlining bout, flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko meets with Lauren Murphy.