UFC: Hooker drops decision to Rodriguez

Yair Rodriguez kicks Dan Hooker in their featherweight bout at UFC 192. Photo / Getty

Dan Hooker continues to alternate wins and losses in the UFC.

The Aucklander dropped a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) to Yair Rodriguez (6-1) at UFC 192 in Houston today. The Herald scored the bout 29-28 to Rodriguez.

Hooker, who was coming off an impressive knockout victory over Hatsu Hioki (27-9-2) in May after losing to Maximo Blanco (12-6-1, 1 NC) via decision in September last year, wasn't able to find his striking range against the elusive Rodriguez.

The Mexican prospect is one of the most exciting fighters in the division and his quickness was too much for Hooker, while he also threw a wide array of strikes.

The pair spent the first round jockeying for position as they did their best to establish their range. Rodriguez said after the bout that he broke his foot in the opening frame, which limited his movement.

"It hurts so bad but I'm here to fight," Rodriguez said in his post-fight interview.

The second round was also a productive one for Rodriguez as his dangerous kicks found their home, while he also landed a vicious elbow to Hooker's face.

But the Kiwi is a pressure fighter and he continued to come forward - he was just unable to land his shots.

The third round - which was Hooker's best - was largely spent on the ground as the pair exchanged strikes. Rodriguez also cut Hooker open with a couple of elbows.

The loss dropped Hooker to 12-6 for his MMA career, while he is 2-2 in the UFC since he made his debut with a win over Ian Entwistle (9-2) in his hometown at UFC Fight Night 43 in June last year.

Rodriguez will likely move on to a bout with a ranked opponent and there's no reason to think that he wouldn't be a tough opponent for many of the division's elite.

"I prepared so well for this fight," Rodriguez said before paying respect to Hooker. "This guy's pretty tough."

UFC 192 was headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between champion Daniel Cormier (16-1) and Sweden's Alexander Gustafsson (16-3).