Michael Chandler has made a successful UFC debut at the expense of New Zealand’s Dan Hooker.
The former Bellator lightweight champion knocked out Hooker at 2:30 of the first round in the co-main event of UFC 257.
After a brief feeling out period, Hooker appeared calm and composed as he circled away from a number of Chandler’s attempted overhand rights and managed to land several leg kicks. But it wasn’t long at all before Chandler connected with a right to the body and a big left hook which dropped Hooker and followed up with a number of shots before the referee stepped in.
Chandler, 22-5, went on to call out lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov as well as headliners Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier in his post-fight interview. The 34-year-old now possesses 10 knockout victories. Hooker, 20-10, suffers his second loss in a row after losing via unanimous decision to Poirier in June.
UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2 took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Sunday, January 24.
