Chase Hooper (16-5-1 MMA, 8-5 UFC): is on a two-fight skid after losses to Alexander Hernandez and Lance Gibson Jr. His last win was a unanimous decision over veteran Jim Miller at UFC 314 in April 2025, which capped a five-fight winning streak.
Mitch Ramirez (8-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC): is also winless in the promotion, having lost his UFC debut in March 2024 and a second appearance in July 2024. His most recent victory came via first-round finish in December 2023.
Hooper missed weight by 1.5 pounds: , weighing in at 157.5 lbs for the 156-lb lightweight limit. He forfeited **20% of his purse** — an estimated $18,000 based on his last disclosed payout of $90,000.
Oddsmakers favor Hooper heavily: at -355 (FanDuel), with Ramirez listed as a +270 underdog. MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom predicts Hooper will survive an early storm and secure a stoppage win in Round 3.
Why this matters: Both fighters are at a career crossroads. A loss could mean a release from the UFC roster, making this a must-win for each man. The outcome will significantly impact their trajectory in the stacked lightweight division.
Chase Hooper, now 26, has spent nearly seven years inside the UFC Octagon after debuting at age 20 on Dana White's Contender Series. Known primarily as a jiu-jitsu specialist — eight of his 16 wins have come by submission — Hooper admits he strayed too far from his grappling roots. In a recent interview with the UFC, he stated: *"I'm obviously a jiu-jitsu guy. Why would I be going out there trying to work too much of the striking?"*
Training alongside recently retired welterweight Michael Chiesa, Hooper has refocused his game plan on what made him successful. He has also fully embraced the resources of the UFC Performance Institute, working closely with dietitians on nutrition, strength and conditioning, and recovery — changes he believes will be visible from the opening bell.
Mitch Ramirez, while 0-2 in the UFC, has faced elite competition. All three of his career losses came against tough opponents: Carlos Prates (on DWCS), Mike Davis, and his two UFC defeats. His record is deceptive; Prates in particular has emerged as a dangerous welterweight contender. Ramirez carries legitimate knockout power and is a "do-or-die" fighter who may not shy away from giving up bad positions in pursuit of a finish.
Hooper's 1.5-pound weight miss is a significant storyline. He did not attempt a second weigh-in, indicating his team recognized the extra weight would not come off safely. The 20% fine (estimated $18,000) adds financial consequence to an already high-pressure situation. Interestingly, this marks Hooper's first career weight miss — he started his UFC tenure at featherweight and has never seemed unusually large for the division.
Also missing weight on the card was featherweight Ezra Elliott, who came in 1.5 lbs over the 146-lb limit for his prelim bout against Damien Anderson. Whether that fight proceeds remains unconfirmed.
MMA Junkie's Dan Tom broke down the matchup: *"Even though the weight miss is certainly a bad look for Hooper, I still can't help but think that this booking is your classic 'get right' spot. Should Ramirez get stuck scrambling with Hooper and expose his back, then expect 'The Dream' to eventually break his foe down."*
Official pick: Hooper by stoppage, Round 3.
UFC Fight Night 281 features a loaded card. The main event sees Dricus du Plessis (185.5 lbs) taking on Kamaru Usman (186 lbs) in a middleweight bout that could propel the winner into title contention. The co-main event pits Jared Cannonier against Christian Leroy Duncan in another key middleweight matchup.
This event is part of a historic period for the UFC following its seven-year broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+, signed in January 2026.
When and where is Chase Hooper vs. Mitch Ramirez taking place?
The fight is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:10 p.m. ET as part of the UFC Fight Night 281 main card.
How can I watch UFC Oklahoma City?
The entire event streams live on Paramount+. Prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, with the main card starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Watch here.
What was the penalty for Chase Hooper missing weight?
Hooper forfeited 20% of his fight purse after weighing in at 157.5 lbs — 1.5 lbs over the lightweight limit. Based on his last disclosed payout of $90,000, this amounts to approximately $18,000 going to his opponent, Mitch Ramirez.
What are the betting odds for Hooper vs. Ramirez?
According to FanDuel, Chase Hooper is the heavy favorite at -355, while Mitch Ramirez is the underdog at +270.
Who else is fighting on the UFC Oklahoma City card?
The main event features Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman (middleweight). The co-main event is Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan. The full 12-fight card also includes Tabatha Ricci vs. Fatima Kline, among other matchups.
For fight fans: This bout is a compelling "loser leaves town" narrative. Both fighters need a win to stay relevant in the UFC's lightweight division — expect high stakes and high drama.
For bettors: If you believe Hooper has truly corrected his course with the UFC Performance Institute's help, the -355 line may offer value in a parlay. Those leaning toward the upset should consider Ramirez by KO at +270.
For aspiring fighters: Hooper's story highlights the importance of adapting training methods. His move to fully utilize the UFC Performance Institute — focusing on nutrition, strength, and recovery — is a blueprint for fighters looking to extend their careers.
Key takeaway: Hooper returning to his jiu-jitsu roots, combined with a structured preparation camp, could be the difference-maker. If Ramirez can't stop takedowns and scrambles, the grappling advantage heavily favors "The Dream."
Do you think Chase Hooper can snap his losing streak and get back on track, or will Mitch Ramirez finally secure his first UFC win with a knockout? Who are you picking in this fight and why?
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