A fight between Chris Padilla and Chase Hooper is being targeted for UFC 335 on December 12. The matchup has not been officially announced by the promotion.
A matchup between Chris Padilla and Chase Hooper is reportedly being targeted for UFC 335 on December 12. The pairing has not been officially announced by the promotion, and the bout is not yet a done deal.
Padilla, nicknamed "Taco," enters with an 18-6-1 record. The 31-year-old American trains out of California Mixed Martial Arts and fights from an orthodox stance. He stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach. Padilla is the more active striker on paper, landing 6.67 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy.
Hooper, known as "The Dream," is 17-5-1 and is four years younger at 27. The southpaw represents Combat Sport & Fitness and is also from the United States. He is the taller man at six-foot-one, though his reach matches Padilla's at 74 inches. Hooper's profile leans toward grappling: he averages 2.5 takedown attempts per 15 minutes and 2.2 submission attempts in the same span, both well above Padilla's numbers.
Why it matters
- Style contrast: Padilla's higher striking output and accuracy meet Hooper's takedown-and-submission pressure, setting up a classic striker-versus-grappler question.
- Experience on both sides: both fighters carry a draw on their records and have more than 20 pro fights, so neither is an unknown quantity.
- Physical tools: the identical 74-inch reach removes any length advantage for Padilla, while Hooper's height and southpaw stance add a different look.
The fight is reportedly planned for the December 12 card, UFC 335. Until the promotion makes a formal announcement, the matchup remains subject to change.
Saturday, December 12, 2026
