Dustin Poirier defeats Dan Hooker in potential “Fight of the Year” candidate
Dustin Poirier finishes strong in 25 minute war to beat Dan Hooker.
The last of the UFC Apex cards in Las Vegas before the UFC heads to “Fight Island,” as UFC on ESPN 12 goes down tonight, Saturday, June 27.
The event is headlined by former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier and rising contender Dan Hooker.
Poirier (25-6, 1NC) will be making his first appearance since September 2019, when he lost his unification title bout to Khabib Nurmagomedov. “The Diamond” has been a stud at 155 pounds in 2015. He’s posted a record 9-2, 1 NC and lightweight, including wins over four champions.
Hooker (20-8) has been making a name for himself as well at lightweight as he’s won seven of eight fights within the division. He’s currently on a three-fight winning streak with wins over James Vick, Al Iaquinta and Paul Felder.
Here’s how their fight went down at UFC on ESPN 12, including round-by-round scoring.
Round 1
Both men open with heavy kicks. Hooker throwing a lot of straight leg kicks to the midsection to start things out.
More leg kicks from Hooker, who is moving around the octagon very smoothly.
Halfway through the round and its Hooker’s legs controlling the fight.
Poirier goes to the clinch with just over two minutes to go and drives Hooker against the cage. Hooker breaks the clinch and the two return to the center of the octagon.
Poirier lands few nice heavy shots and there’s one minute left of a fun opening round.
As the round comes to an end, Poirier lands a short hook and a few other nice shots. Very close round to score as it could have gone either way.
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Hooker
Rounds 2
Hooker opens with a kick to the body and an inside land kick.
Poirier lands huge right hand and Hooker follows with a big shot of his own. The two grab onto each other and clinch. We have ourselves a fight.
These two are just trading. Wow. How these guys are standing I don’t know. The pace is crazy and they are both landing bombs.
Halfway point of the two are continuing to land. Poirier goes to the clinch and pushes Hooker against the cage, but they weren’t there long.
Both men are bleeding from the eyes.
Poirier lands a great right hand and Hooker wastes no time landing right back.
Hooker with a strong finish to the round as he lands a few great shots.
This fight is nuts. That maybe the round of the year. Another very close round to score. If these two keep this up we’ll have a new fight of the year.
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Hooker.
Round 3
Seems like the two are losing some steam after two high action rounds.
Poirier lands a nice counter hooker to close out the opening round. He follows up with the a nice combo.
Poirier lands a short check hook and follows it up with some heavy shots. Hooker is starting fade.
Hooker shoots in for a takedown and Poirier almost secures a choke, but Hooker sneaks out and is on top of Poirier.
Poirier having success on the bottom and is aggressive off his back and is looking for submissions.
The two are back on their feet and Hooker lands a nice knee. Poirier then tees off and makes Hooker back away.
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Poirier
Round 4
Poirier lands a nice jab to get the main event rounds started. Moments later Poirier lands another nice jab. Third beautiful jab lands .
Hooker tries for a takedown, but Poirier scrambles right back to the feet. Hooker tries again for a takedown and lands, but Poirier gets back up to the feet.
Poirier now goes in for a takedown. Hooker is breathing really heavy. Poirier in a great position on top and landing strike after strike. Hooker is eating shots. Poirier gets ahold of the arm and tries to get an armbar.
Final minutes begins to tick and the two are still on the ground. Poirier goes for another submission but is unsuccessful.
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Poirier
Round 5
No matter what happens this round, these two deserve a lot of credit. What a great fight.
Poirier lands two nice jabs to open up the round. Poirier with a nice kick to the body to close the first minute of the final round.
Poirier walking forward with jabs. Hooker backing up. Poirier lands a nice punch and Hooker feels it.
Poirier is lands crisp straight shots this round.
Hooker lands his career high fourth takedown of the fight, Poirier looks for a submission and works back to the feet.
Hooker trying for takedowns, but Poirier is ready and stuffing takedowns.
60 seconds left. Poirier lands one more nice shot for good measure. He’s got this round.
Great fight. Both men are winners in my book. Wow!
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Poirier
MyMMANews scorecard: 48-47 Poirier
Official Result: Dustin Poirier defeats Dan Hooker via unanimous decision (48-47. 48-47, 48-46)
