UFC star Dan Hooker has shown off a gruesome cut to his eyebrow as he eyes a return to the octagon next month.
The New Zealander, 32, is targeting a first fight of 2023 in Perth on the UFC 284 card which takes place on February 12.
INSTAGRAM / DANHANGMANDan Hooker shared the gruesome cut on social media[/caption]
Hooker has lost four of his last six MMA fightsGetty
But he has suffered a hiccup in his preparation after cutting his eyebrow.
Hooker shared the gruesome image on social media, adding the caption: “‘Think you’re cut’. ‘Is it bad, take a pic’ .”
Reacting to the shocking gash, one person said: “Damn bro that one is deep!”.
Another added: “This brings new definition to ‘opening your third eye’”.
And a third said: “How many stitches, Dan? That looks likes it’s sore.”
Hooker, who has a professional record of 22 wins and 12 defeats, revealed earlier this month his plan to return to the octagon in Perth.
He got back to winning ways in November, stopping Claudio Puelles in the fourth round at UFC 281 in New York.
It was his first victory in 14 months and he is now looking towards a fight closer to home.
Speaking to Freestylebender on YouTube, he said: “UFC Perth, I believe that’s the logical next step.
“I feel like I’m just getting started, I feel like this is a fresh start.
“My skill level is a step ahead of ranked and unranked, I definitely belong there.
“For Perth, it should be a ranked opponent… I think the fans have come out and said and they’re all pretty adamant that they would like someone in the rankings.”
UFC 284 will be headlined by Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski.