UFC 257 live blog: Dan Hooker vs. Michael Chandler

This is the UFC 257 live blog for Dan Hooker vs. Michael Chandler, the lightweight co-headliner for Saturday’s fight card at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Hooker returns after a decision loss to UFC 257 headliner Dustin Poirier in a “Fight of the Year” candidate at UFC Vegas 4. Previously, he’d won three straight. Chandler, a three-time Bellator lightweight champion, makes his promotional debut after ending his run with the ViacomCBS-owned promotion with a first-round knockout of ex-UFC champ Benson Henderson in a rematch.

Check out the UFC 257 live blog below.

Round 1: Marc Goddard is the third man in the cage for the co-main event. Chandler comes out and takes the center of the cage and Hooker is moving on the outside immediately. Feints out of both men and Chandler cutting the cage pretty well to start but still unable to corner Hooker. Low calf kicks from Hooker to start and he’s keeping his hands out and in the space to hit Chandler.

90 seconds in and Chandler still hasn’t landed much and he’s chasing a little more now. Meanwhile, Hooker kicks picking away with leg kicks. Now Chandler lands to the body and he’s starting to get in Hooker’s face. Push kick lands from Chandler. Now in space Hooker lands a good leg kick that hurts Chandler.

BIG LEFT HAND LANDS FROM CHANDLER!!! Chandler went right hand to the body and left to the head and Hooker is on the mat covering up! Chandler is raining down punches! Goddard giving Hooker every chance to fight back but he can’t do it and that’s the fight!

OFFICIAL DECISION: Michael Chandler knocks out Dan Hooker at 2:30 of Round 1.