Dan Hooker insisted that he fight tonight at UFC 243, and the surging lightweight was able to showcase his awe-inspiring, striking game against Al Iaquinta.
Hooker planted a calf kick not long in, and moments later, Iaquinta went to the body with a kick. Hooker scored with another calf kick and then landed a right hook. Not long after, Hooker momentarily put Iaquinta on the deck with another calf kick. Iaquinta got back to his feet and went for a TD, but Hooker punished him with strikes for his effort. In the ensuing scramble, Hooker took Iaquinta’s back and started hunting for a choke. Iaquinta eventually worked his way up and out. Before the round ended Hooker tagged Iaquinta again with another calf kick.
Iaquinta landed a nice left hook after feinting a takedown and then he planted his own leg kick. Hooker, yet again, scored with his own calf kick. Iaquinta shot in moments later but Hooker squashed it. Iaquinta, fighting out of southpaw, scored a with a right hook. But, after returning to the conventional stance, Hooker fired in another calf kick. Iaquinta shot in for another TD, but once again, Hooker defended well. Moments later, Hooker sent Iaquinta to the deck with a sharp right hook. As Iaquinta tried to defend, Hooker fired in more punches from above. Before the round ended, Iaquinta was working a leg lock.
Hooker landed a hard right seconds into the final frame. Iaquinta contined to fight southpaw, almost certainly due to the punishment his left leg had taken. Hooker tagged Iaquinta as he rushed in, and then did so again moments later. Iaquinta’s nose was bleeding a fair amount by mid-round and Hooker continued to land with his jab. Iaquinta threatened with a right hand not long after. Iaquinta picked up the pace in the final minute, knowing he needed a finish to win. Hooker crumped Iaquinta to the floor with a calf kick momentarily. as the final seconds ran down. Clear win for Hooker.
After his win, Hooker called for a fight with Dustin Poirier.
Here are the results so far for UFC 243, which is taking place in Melbourne, Australia.
Dan Hooker def. Al Iaquinta via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Sergey Spivak def. Tai Tuivasa via technical submission (arm-triangle-choke) R2, 3:14
Dhiego Lima def. Luke Jumeau via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Yorgan De Castro def. Justin Tafa via knockout (punch) R1, 2:10
Jake Matthews def. Rostem Akman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Callan Potter def. Maki Pitolo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brad Riddell def. Jamie Mullarkey via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Megan Anderson def. Zarah Fairn via submission (triangle choke) R1, 3:57
Ji Yeon Kim def. Nadia Kassem via TKO (punches) R2, 4:59
Khalid Taha def. Bruno Silva via submission (arm-triangle choke) R 3, 3:00
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