On July 24, 2018, “The Teenage Dream” Chase Hooper stood in The Octagon on Dana White’s Contender Series with some hype that was matched with just as much confusion.
As the awkward, skinny kid took punch after punch in the first round from jiu-jitsu specialist, Canaan Kawaihae. It seems like a mismatch early as Kawaihae seemed to connect at will but Hooper refused to budge.
The fight went to decision and Hooper proved that it doesn’t take a seasoned veteran to power through adversity when all three judges declared him the winner.
At 18 years old, Hooper had landed a developmental contract.
“It’s kind of validating me that I’m doing the right thing, I have put myself in the right place and at the right time,” Hooper said. “It’s the most amazing thing that has happened so far. It’s changed my whole life and my whole outlook on everything.”
Hooper’s success at a young age hasn’t hindered his work ethic or respect for training, he assures it has actually pushed him to voluntarily step his game up.
“I think the whole thing makes me more appreciative,” Hooper said. “I’ve seen a lot of guys come in and out and everything and I’ve been here for ten years now.”
While there’s a world full of people waiting for their big break, Hooper has tapped into a veteran’s mind and looked at the more broad picture.
Although his dream is to be mentioned up there with legendary UFC names like Demian Maia and the Diaz brothers, Hooper says that it’s possible that a layover or postponed entry into MMA’s biggest stage offers a bigger upside.
“I’ve never relied on my strength because I’ve never had any of that so I’m not worried about my body changing or anything,” Hooper said. “It’s more about my skill set. When my striking is more stepped up it’ll all be in place.”
Hooper’s jump onto the MMA scene seems to the public as though he rolled out of bed a good fighter or that his Cage Fury performance will single-handedly dictate his future.
In Hooper’s mind, it’s business as usual.
“Every fight is make or break for me so I keep the same mindset,” Hooper said. “I’m not going to focus on what other people are thinking or living up to any hype. I’ve always been nervous about every one of my fights. I always get nervous because if I go out and lose this fight, what’s next? It just makes everything more nerve-wracking.”
Going from an attention-grabbing young fighter to a young fighter with UFC potential before legal consumption of alcohol comes with a lot of responsibilities. A lot of orchestrated answers and cliches, “I’m taking it one day at a time.” “I’m going to continue to keep working hard.”
With KING 5 news asking for Hooper’s time, Dana White asking for Hooper’s time and now Cage Fury asking for Hooper’s time, it’s hard to believe but Hooper is looking past the hypotheticals and living out the cliches.
“Honestly I don’t think it’s changed much,” Hooper said. “My normal life is still the same. Social media makes it seem a lot different than it really is. I still go to the gym and talk to the same people I always have and doing everything I used to. I haven’t hit that level of stardom yet.”
On Dec. 14 he could be one step closer to the level of stardom he’s after.
Be sure to tune in and catch Hooper before he’s a household name at CFFC 71 on Friday, Dec. 14 live and only on UFC FIGHT PASS.
