Kiwi fighter Dan Hooker claims impressive UFC win

Dan Hooker poses for a portrait backstage after his victory over Marc Diakiese. Photo / Getty Images

By Daniel Richardson

Dan Hooker has put together back-to-back wins in the UFC for the first time in his career.

The Hangman recorded a third-round submission over Marc Diakiese at UFC 219 in Las Vegas today.

Hooker (15-7), making his second appearance at lightweight after taking his first six UFC fights at featherweight, was likely down on the judges' scorecards before he pulled off the slick sub.

Diakiese (12-2) had sharper striking during the opening two rounds and landed a couple of big shots to begin the third round but he shot in on Hooker and the Aucklander latched on to the exposed neck.

"That's just one of my chokes," Hooker said after the fight.

"That's my second win in the UFC with that choke. You better watch that neck around me."

After that effort he called for a booking at UFC 221 in Perth on February 11 from matchmaker Sean Shelby and UFC president Dana White.

"I want on that card," Hooker said.

Hooker entered the fight coming off the biggest win of his career with a second-round knockout of Ross Pearson (19-14, 1 NC) at UFC Fight Night 110 in Auckland in June.

He looks much better at lightweight and is undefeated in the weight class with two finishes, which looks good to the UFC brass.

The result marked the first time Diaikiese had been finished in his MMA career, while all five of Hooker's UFC wins have come via some form of stoppage.

It was the first time Hooker had fought in Las Vegas and the bout was elevated to the main card after the bantamweight bout between Jimmie Rivera (21-1) and John Lineker (30-8) was cancelled due to a tooth problem for Lineker.

"Six-week's notice is a short turnaround for anyone so I suggest someone messages Sean Shelby and asks for it if they want a go," Hooker said.

"I'll fight anyone. I want a Max Holloway rise. I want to fight everyone, no shortcuts to easy fights. I'll fight anyone, anywhere."

UFC 219 featured Cris Cyborg (19-1, 1 NC) defending her women's featherweight title against Holly Holm (11-4) via unanimous decision in the main event.

UFC 221 in Perth will have a strong Kiwi flavour. It will be headlined by New Zealand-born middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (19-4) who will defend his belt against Luke Rockold (16-3).

Heavyweight veteran Mark Hunt (13-11-1, 1 NC) will tackle American Curtis Blaydes (9-1).

Then, if that wasn't enough, combat sports phenom Israel Adesanya (11-0), who was in Hooker's corner in Las Vegas, will make his UFC debut against Rob Wilkinson (11-1).