Dustin Poirier defeated Dan Hooker in an easy main event fight that many already call the UFC fight of the year.
The unanimous decision win for Poirier against New Zealander Hooker on Saturday evening cemented the American as one of the top competitors in the division.
But he was tested all the way, survived a brutal second round, and insisted on dominating the fifth and final round of the main event at the UFC’s Apex gym.
Mike Perry ended a duel with a unilateral unanimous decision about Mickey Gall in the penultimate fight of the fifth UFC fan-free event in his hometown.
The UFC will take the leave next week before resuming the competition on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on July 12 with UFC 251, a stacked pay-per-view show with three title fights, including that of Australian featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski records.
The main event on Saturday was a back and forth struggle from the opening round, in which Poirier and Hooker acted brutally on strike and showed minimal respect for the defense.
The second round was a special spectacle, with each fighter seriously injuring the other while throwing punches and knees with full force.
Poirier seemed to have more energy in the final rounds and won on all three judge cards: 48-47, 48-47 and 48-46.
“It was a difficult question,” said Poirier.
“Dan came to fight. He’s a tough guy. He’s on the move. He really thought he would get past me.
“I trusted my team, my skills and my work ethic.”
Poirier (26-6) lost to undefeated champion Khabib Nurmagomedov last September and a leg injury kept him out of the cage for the longest stretch of his career.
He was back in good form against Hooker (20-9), who has won seven of his last eight fights since 2016.
“I think I speak for all UFC fans around the world by congratulating Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker,” said Jon Anik in a comment.
“I have never seen a fight so violent lately.”
After the fight, social media praised the fight as “Battle of the Year,” in awe of Hooker and Poirier’s efforts.
©AP2020
