UFC: Dan Hooker to fight Gilbert Burns at UFC 226

New Zealand UFC fighter Dan Hooker. Photo / Photosport

Dan Hooker will get to prove his lightweight credentials on one of the biggest UFC events of the year.

The 28-year-old Kiwi will fight Brazilian grappler Gilbert Burns at UFC 226 in Las Vegas on July 8. Hooker confirmed the bout with Stuff.

Hooker (16-7) has been on an impressive three-fight win streak since returning to the lightweight division after a mixed spell at featherweight.

The Kiwi all-rounder has been knocking on the door of the division's top 15 rankings, with three straight finishes since June last year - his latest being a first-round knockout against UFC veteran Jim Miller last month.

And now he faces his next challenge on one of the biggest cards of the UFC calendar, headlined by the champion-vs-champion superfight between heavyweight title holder Stipe Miocic and light-heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier.

THE SUPERFIGHT.#UFC226 is one for the history books! pic.twitter.com/xvoa6JOd9Y

— UFC (@ufc) May 18, 2018

After a quick stoppage last time out, Hooker has been eager for a greater challenge, and he will get it against Burns (14-2), a three-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion.

The 31-year-old Brazilian - a grappling technician who is also dangerous on his feet - presents a tough test for Hooker, with a win all but guaranteeing either fighter a passage into the top 15.

The fight takes place on a stacked UFC 226 card, which boasts two title fights including the featherweight title clash between champion Max Holloway and unbeaten challenger Brian Ortega, as well as the main event matchup.

The event is part of UFC's annual International Fight Week, which includes the Ultimate Fighter Finale the night before, where Hooker's fellow Kiwi and training partner Israel Adesanya faces Brad Tavares.

Other bouts on the UFC 226 card include heavyweight sluggers Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis, and lightweights Anthony Pettis and Michael Chiesa.