Dustin Poirier to fight Dan Hooker in main event of UFC’s June 27 card
Two day ago, Dustin Poirier went to Twitter to ask Dan Hooker, Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson for a fight. Now he has one.
The former interim lightweight champion will meet Dan Hooker in the main event of the UFC’s June 27 event. Combate was first to report the upcoming lightweight bout.
MMA Junkie added to the report, that the UFC would like to hold the fight at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. However, the site will depend on whether or not the ongoing travel ban restrictions will be lifted and if Hooker will be able to fly overseas from New Zealand. If Hooker cannot enter the United States, the bout will most likely be moved to “Fight Island” in July.
Since the news broke of the fight, Poirier seems happy that one of the men he called out answered by simply tweeting “Let’s go!!!!!!!!!!”
Let's Go!!!!!!!!!!
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) May 23, 2020
Poirier (25-6) last fought in September 2019, when he lost his undisputed title fight against undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov. “The Diamond” has made a name for himself at lightweight, as prior to his loss against Nurmagomedov, he defeated former champions Anthony Pettis, Eddie Alvarez and Max Holloway. He also added a win against current interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Overall, Poirier’s record at lightweight is 5-2 with one no contest.
Hooker (20-8) is a rising contender at 155 pounds. Since moving back up to lightweight in 2017, he has 7-1 record. His lone loss in that stretch came to Edson Barboza. This fight will be Hooker’s second main event in a row. Earlier this year, he got a narrow split decision win over Paul Felder.
This is the second time the two are booked to fight. Their first scheduled meeting was scratched due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be Poirier’s first fight since undergoing hip surgery.
