Last weekend, Dan Hooker scored the biggest win of his career, taking a split decision over Paul Felder in the main event of UFC Auckland. It was Hooker’s first main event and he came through with flying colors, playing his part in creating the early front-runner for Fight of the Year. But despite Hooker’s excellent performance there was one tiny flaw: many people believe Felder should have taken home the win.
A majority of the MMA media scored the fight for Felder and many fans also felt that “The Irish Dragon” was not give his due. But speaking with Ariel Helwani this week, Hooker dismissed the calls of “robbery” that have been floated out in the MMA ether, saying that upon rewatch he believes he won four rounds.
“I’m comfortable that I got the win,” Hooker said. “I won the first, second, and third, and the fifth round so I’m confident I won a majority of that fight. I thought it was pretty clear.
Much of the consternation from fans about the decision stem from the contours of the fight. Hooker established himself early in the bout, but as the fight went on, Felder seemed to get much stronger, with Hooker seemingly fading some in the championship rounds. Hooker obviously disagrees as he believes he won the fifth round but more importantly, disagrees with that entire characterization of the fight. Hooker says he fought a strategic fight against a very difficult opponent.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinions,” Hooker said. “This is the first time I’ve ever won a split decision. This is the first time I’ve ever won a decision that’s been questioned so this is all new to me. He’s a tough guy. It took time. I had to play it smart. You fry fish, you don’t brisket. Paul Felder’s brisket; you’ve got to slow cook him.”
Ultimately, two of the three judges did favor Hooker’s barbecue and in the aftermath, “The Hangman” called for what would ostensibly be a number one contender’s bout against Justin Gaethje. But unfortunately for Hooker, Gaethje currently appears to be the front runner for fighting Conor McGregor next, so the New Zealand fighter has since amended his call out to also make room for former interim lightweight title holder Dustin Poirier.
“[Gaethje]’s just an exciting guy,” Hooker said when asked why that was the call out he chose. “Six fights, six bonuses. It’s something that intrigues me. But then it looks like him and Conor are gonna go. If I was Conor I’d take the Gaethje fight too. That’s an incredibly exciting fight, if he wants to stay busy.
“But if Gaethje is busy, then Poirier is the man. Either Gaethje or Poirier, those are the only two options that make sense for me.”
This is not the first time Poirier’s name has come out of Hooker’s mouth. Hooker first called Poirier out following his win over Al Iaquinta at UFC 243, but Poirier was uninterested in fighting someone so far below him in the rankings. Now though, Hooker has moved into the top-five of the lightweight division, just three spots back from Poirier, who is still without a dance partner.
Maybe this time, Hooker will finally get what he wants.
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LISTEN UP
Eurobash. Interviews with Royce Gracie, Brian Moore, and Cal Ellenor.
The Co-Main Event. Discussing Dan Hooker, Paul Felder, and the flyweight title fight.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Let’s go.
You kidding me. I would love to fight in the most hostile environment on earth. That would be scary but beyond an experience of a lifetime. Bring the heat. #ufc https://t.co/VhdG0inzJo
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) February 26, 2020
But Ali denies it.
This rumor about @Justin_Gaethje fighting vs @TheNotoriousMMA is absolutely false. He had the opportunity to fight him already instead of cowboy but he didn’t. Justin is the number one contender and like khabib said. Conor needs to win 10 fights.
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) February 25, 2020
Dudu repping his boy.
The hypocrisy speaking ..
— Dudu Dantas (@DuduDantasMMA) February 25, 2020
and in Brazil millions of people want to see this fight. Fact! https://t.co/nTc6gEWGoK
Interesting. This came right after rumors of Dustin-Nate resurfaced.
Looking like we got something else cooking!
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 26, 2020
Jarred Brooks on this weekend’s fight.
Dieveson is going for the UFC flw title this weekend . We were both 13-0 and 12-0 . I thought I won this contest . I KO’D myself after this . My second run I promise I will be champion ! pic.twitter.com/IM8bT7gw5B
— Jarred Brooks (@The_monkeygod) February 25, 2020
Please sleep on me . Cause when you wake up a full bred monster is infront of you ! pic.twitter.com/HfnOQh3NI5
— Jarred Brooks (@The_monkeygod) February 25, 2020
Starting 2020 off right. Who do you think I should fight next?! @BellatorMMA pic.twitter.com/ECDAqA7zZ1
— Ricky Bandejas (@rickybandejas) February 25, 2020
Chase Hooper meeting Mike Tyson.
Uh oh! @chase_hooper is starting to get the big names! @MikeTyson sharing some advice with Chase!
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) February 25, 2020
"Chase'n Stories and Stuff" pic.twitter.com/SNc5aO6LOT
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alan Patrick (15-2) vs. Christos Giagos (17-8); UFC Lincoln, April 25.
Raphael Pessoa (10-1) vs. Alexander Romanov (11-0); UFC Lincoln, April 25.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Those would both be good fights, but I struggle to see either man being too interested in them. Both have their eyes on bigger game.
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
Poll
Who do you want to see Dan Hooker fight next?
This poll is closed
-
17%
Justin Gaethje
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55%
Dustin Poirier
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27%
Someone else
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