New Zealand UFC fighter Dan Hooker. Photo / Photosport
New Zealand UFC fighter Dan Hooker. Photo / Photosport
All the action from UFC 219 from Las Vegas, featuring Kiwi fighter Dan Hooker on the main card.
Join Daniel Richardson for all the coverage from Hooker's fight against Marc Diakiese, before Khabib Nurmagomedov takes on Edson Barboza, and women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg (18-1, 1 NC) defends her title against Holly Holm (11-3) in the main event.
Hooker is coming off a highlight reel knockout of Ross Pearson (19-14, 1 NC) at UFC Fight Night 110 in Auckland in June, when he earned the second US$50,000 Performance of the Night bonus of his career.
Hooker, 27, said fighting in Las Vegas was a bucket-list moment but he vowed not to be overawed by the occasion, having attended a UFC card there previously.
With seven fights to his name in the toughest MMA promotion on the planet, Hooker has alternated wins and losses throughout his UFC career dating back to 2014.
All four of his wins have come via stoppage, while he has never been finished in his three losses, which is a testament to his durability.
He is rarely in a boring bout but if he wants to make waves in the stacked lightweight division, he will have to put together a winning streak. His win over Pearson was his first fight at lightweight after moving up from featherweight.
Diakiese has built an impressive record on promotions in England but doesn't boast many signature wins on his CV.
"He's good. I definitely respect him," Hooker said. "I'm sure he definitely respects me; there's a mutual respect there.
"He's a dangerous guy, plus he knows I'm also a dangerous guy. This fight is phenomenal match-making. These are the kind of fights I want and when you get a fight like this, you appreciate it."
As for his 2018 plans, Hooker hoped to find a dance partner for the historic UFC 221 card in Perth in February.
