City Kickboxing trained Dan Hooker won a clear decision over UFC veteran Al Iaquinta in the co-main event of UFC 243 and “The Hangman” has already got his next opponent in mind, recent title challenger Dustin Poirier.
The event took place in front of a UFC record crowd at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Sunday.
Hooker’s precise striking was on show early, landing heavy leg kicks in the opening minutes before “Raging” Al Iaquinta caught the leg and looked for a takedown. That worked into Hooker’s advantage as he first attempted a guillotine before taking Iaquinta’s back. With the legs locked around the waist of Iaquinta, Hooker tried to lock in the choke. Iaquinta was able to escape before the end of the round.
In round two, Hooker’s leg kicks started to take their toll as Iaquinta switched to southpaw to protect his left leg. Iaquinta landed strikes but it was the Kiwi who landed the more notable strike, dropping Iaquinta with a right hook.
The Team Serra-Longo fighter was able to see out the round and increased his tempo looking for the finish in the last round. With a busted face, Iaquinta continued to come forward but was unable to find that definite strike as Hooker eased to the final bell.
The scorecards were unanimous as Hooker claimed the win, 30-27, 30-27 and 30-26
Hooker kept it short in his post-fight speech in the Octagon.
“I’m going to announce my next fight. Dustin Poirier, I’m going to smash your face in. Meet me in New Zealand. 2020 and I’m going to end you.”
Hooker moves his professional record to 20-8 and notably 6-1 inside the UFC lightweight division. Iaquinta has lost two on the trot now and drops to 14-6-1.
