Dustin Poirier (26-6-0) outworked New Zealander Dan Hooker (20-9-0) late in the main event of UFC on ESPN 12 in a battle of top-5 lightweights.
Both lightweights put on a striking clinic with Hooker attacking the body early with an assortment of kicks and strikes. Poirier returned the favour, peppering Hooker with strikes, then eating a big knee that staggered him but somehow pulled through.
Poirier then went to the ground in the later rounds, which took some starch out of Hooker’s gas tank and then finished strong in the final round. It was clear that his previous experience battling champion Khabib Nurmagomedov paid dividends in this contest.
The judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, and 48-46.
"I'm the ****ing champ."
💎 @DustinPoirier's mindset hasn't changed. #UFCVegas4 pic.twitter.com/T7F1p15mAh
— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2020
Quick message for the people that support me. Credit to Poirier better man on the night, no regrets, no excuses. Minor setbacks ain't a major for me. 😉 #teamhangman #rideordieonly pic.twitter.com/oS7kpcFWAf
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) June 28, 2020
The win secures Poirier current No. 3 ranking and returns him to the win column. Hooker had a three fight win streak snapped with the loss.
Thank you champ https://t.co/koWNXmRqtG
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) June 28, 2020
Poirier and Hooker secured Fight of the Night, while Julian Erosa and Kay Hansen earned performances of the night. Each fighter earned a $50,000 USD bonus.
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) June 28, 2020
NO QUESTION.
(B2YB @ToyoTires) #UFCVegas4 pic.twitter.com/xsE2zImQhs
— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2020
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.
In case you missed the prelims:
YOUSSEFF ZALAL DEF. JORDAN GRIFFIN VIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
KAY HANSEN DEF. JINH YU FREY VIA SUBMISSION (ARMBAR) R3 2:26
TANNER BOSER DEF. PHILIPPE LINS VIA KO (PUNCH) R1 2:41
KHAMA WORTHY DEF. LUIS PENA VIA SUBMISSION (GUILLOTINE CHOKE) R3 2:53
MAIN CARD
SEAN WOODSON VS. JULIAN EROSA
The short-notice underdog! 😱
Talk about a way to introduce yourself to the Octagon, @JuicyJ_Erosa!
📺 Action continues on @ESPN and E+ pic.twitter.com/OyU7IklbLD
— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2020
WINNER: JULIAN EROSA VIA SUBMISSION (D’ARCE CHOKE) R3 2:44
ANDREWS PREDICTION: SEAN WOODSON VIA TKO
Andrews: Great win for Erosa, coming in on short notice and choking out the prospect.
TAKASHI SATO VS. JASON WITT
Takashi Soto (-250 ML) makes quick work of Jason Witt
pic.twitter.com/4LaPf5rQWY— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) June 28, 2020
WINNER: TAKASHI SATO VIA TKO (PUNCHES) R1 0:48
ANDREWS PREDICTION: TAKASHI SOTO VIA TKO
Andrews: This one was predictable. Witt was coming in on extremely short notice.
GIAN VILLANTE VS. MAURICE GREENE
WHAT A TURN OF EVENTS! 🤯@TheCrochetBoss submits Villante w/ just a minute to go!
📺 Action concludes on @ESPN. #UFCVegas4 pic.twitter.com/ziU21wwTUI
— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2020
WINNER: MAURICE GREENE VIA SUBMISSION (ARM-TRIANGLE CHOKE) R3 3:44
ANDREWS PREDICTION: GIAN VILLANTE VIA TKO
Andrews: I thought Villante would connect before Greene could establish his game, but I was wrong. Good win for Greene.
BRENDAN ALLEN VS. KYLE DAUKAUS
The striking showdown EVERYONE saw coming 😅 #UFCVegas4 pic.twitter.com/BUXifat9tQ
— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2020
WINNER: BRENDAN ALLAN VIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: BRENDAN ALLAN VIA UD
Andrews: Allen did have the experience advantage and almost had the knockout finish at the end of the second round.
MIKE PERRY VS. MICKEY GALL
VINTAGE PERRY! 😤 #UFCVegas4 pic.twitter.com/JpOjtCQSdb
— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2020
WINNER: MIKE PERRY VIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: MICKEY GALL VIA SUBMISSION
Andrews: Now how much of this was due to the cornering of his girlfriend or the fact that he fought smart and well? Obviously, the latter.
DUSTIN POIRIER VS. DAN HOOKER
HOW IS POIRIER STILL STANDING!? 😱 #UFCVegas4 pic.twitter.com/f4OApNq6YJ
— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2020
WINNER: DUSTIN POIRIER VIA UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-46)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: DAN HOOKER VIA TKO
Andrews: Poirier proved he still has some great fights in him yet. Hooker has nothing to be ashamed about. Great fight.
