Alex Caceres outpoints Chase Hooper to a unanimous decision
On Saturday night, June 6, the UFC holds its first-ever pay-per-view event inside the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The promotions’ fifth event during the COVID-19 pandemic, UFC 250 is headlined by double champion Amanda Nunes, who defends her featherweight strap against Felicia Spencer.
The co-main event bantamweight clash between former champion Cody Garbrandt and Raphael Assuncao.
Undefeated, Chase Hooper gets his toughest task to date, as he takes on UFC veteran, Alex “Bruce Leeroy” Caceres in a featherweight matchupa, a bout that will headline the preliminary portion of the card.
Chase Hooper picked up a win in front of the boss on Dana Whites Contender Series. He was offered to sign a developmental deal, and took the bull by the horns. After successful outings in UFC feeder promotions such as CFFC, and Titan FC, Hooper got his Octagon jitters out last December. In the undefeated prospects UFC debut, Hooper dispatched Daniel Teymur via TKO. His second UFC endeavor will be a significantly experienced, Alex Caceres.
Alex Caceres, known for his enchanting smile and tall Afro, has come a long way in his UFC run. A veteran from The Ultimate Fighter Season 12, Caceres has faced many ups and downs along the way inside the Octagon, fighting a who’s-who list of veteran opponents. Although Caceres has an inconsistent winning pattern, he always shows up to fight and is always in the running for fight of the night.
Here’s how the featherweight scrap went down at UFC 250, with round-by-round scoring. For full events results, check them out here.
Both fighters touch gloves and waste no time getting to work. Hooper begins the attacks early as Caceres is able to counter and move away with his slick evasiveness. Hooper continues to follow Caceres to the cage, attempting to jab his way inside. Caceres circles the cage and pops and out with his punches. Caceres lands a heavy straight shot to the chin of Hooper and he crumbles to his knees. Caseres backs up and lets him back to his feet. Hooper continues to come forward, looking to keep the pressure on Caceres. Caceres is picking his well-timed shots, and landing straight shot down the pipe at Will. Caceres closes the distance and gets Hooper in the clinch as the two jock for position, momentarily. Hooper follows him out with a missed head kick that misses its mark. Hooper stays active on Caceres, pressuring him against the fence. Caceres defends well, however. Hooper looks to take the back of Caceres but Caceres works his way out to find his way back to center cage. Caceres is dictating the pace as he’s fires sharp punches, popping in and out of the pocket, leaving Hooper to chase his opponent in a game of cat and mouse. With seconds left, Hooper tries to engage as Caceres is able to slip underneath of Hooper’s attacks and drag him to the mat, drawing a close to the round.
MyMMANews scores round 1: Alex Caceres (10-9)
Round two picks up where round one left off and Cooper comes in looking for single shots to get inside of Caceres. Caceres is counterpunching, beautifully. The fight finds it’s way against the cage and Caceres is able to circle his opponent and get under hooks. Caceras decides to get away from the pressure, getting back to the center of the octagon. Hooper continues the pressure, coming forward with a combo down the middle and Caceres again, is able to slip and counter punch upstairs. Caceres leads with a straight uppercut which looks as if to send Hoopers head to the stands. Hooper withstands the punishment and marches forward in hopes to get Caseres to the mat. Caceres is able to circle the cage and avoid damage but Hoopers pressure is nonstop as he clinches Caceres, again. The two fighters spend some time dirty boxing against the fence, and Caceres exits the pressure to reclaim center-cage again. Hooper throws a wild head kick which takes him off of his feet. Caceres is smooth sailing, easily defending anything threatening. As he is backing up against the fence, Hooper pulls guard very briefly. Caceres stands up and Hooper charges keeps up with the pressure, coming forward again looking to pull guard. Caceres nullifies the attempt and stands over Hooper looking for ground and pound. Hooper is able to get the reversal, and gets on top for just a few moments. Caceres finds distance and is able to stand back on his feet. With 10 seconds left Caceres gets his final few blows in to drawl or close to this round.
MyMMANews scores round 2: Alex Caceres (10-9)
The final round begins and the fighters get right to work exchanging straight hands. Caceres starts using his footwork, circling the cage and picking shots from the outside. Hooper throws a head kick which misses it’s mark. Caseras takes advantage by landing a three-piece punch combination. Hooper looks for the takedown as he gets within striking distance of Caceres. Hooper grabs a hold of his opponent and takes his back. Caseras is able create some distance and fires a need to make his way out of the clinch. Hooper attempts to throw a knee, and sticks his foot out just a bit too far to graze Caceres in the midsection for a brief stop in the contest. The action resumes and Hooper lands a beautiful one-two combination with Caceres landing his own one-two combination as well. Hooper pulls guard, attempting to get Caceres to the mat, but Caceres sees it from a mile away. Caceres moves away from danger, forcing Hooper to get back to his feet. Hooper closes the distance, grabs Caceres to drag him to the mat again. Caceres sees Hoopers plan, now and is able to avoid any danger. Caceres is using his crisp boxing technique as he is outpointing and out-punching Hooper from the outside, circling the cage. The bout works its way to the floor again and Hooper looks to utilize his jujitsu in the closing seconds of the contest, which is nullified. Caseras stands back up and invites Hooper to stand and bang for the closing moments of the contest.
MyMMANews scores round 3: Alex Caceres 10-9
Winner: Alex Caceres via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
