Dustin Poirier (L) of the U.S. and Dan Hooker of New Zealand face off during the UFC weigh-in at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 26, 2020. /VCG
Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier of America defeated Dan "The Hangman" Hooker of New Zealand by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-46) in a five-round men's lightweight bout – the main event of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on ESPN 12 at the UFC APEX on Saturday night.
Even though the result looked like it was not in doubt as Poirier launched more strikes in the last three rounds, he was nearly knocked out by Hooker's combo punches in the last ten seconds of Round 2.
In the first round, Hooker's nose began to bleed, and after the second round, the two men dyed the canvas and themselves red as they exchanged high-frequency punches without any fear.
The taller Hooker applied a stereo strategy by attacking Poirier's head, torso, legs and launching more takedowns, but Poirier, the former interim lightweight champion and boxing-style fighter, gradually came to grips with the tactics and also dragged the clapped-out Hooker to the ground, even using Khabib Nurmagomedov's favorite skill to control his opponent while punching.
The 31-year-old Poirier now has 26 wins and six losses in his MMA career and is ranked third in the men's lightweight division. Hooker, 30, is ranked fifth with 20 wins and nine losses.
American MMA fighters Mike Perry (L) and Mickey Gall face off during the UFC weigh-in at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 26, 2020. /VCG
In the co-main event, Mike Perry beat his fellow American Mickey Gall in a three-round men's welterweight bout in a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Before this victory, Perry had experienced two consecutive losses, with his split-decision match against Vincent Luque on August 10, 2019, ending with his nose beaten to the form of S.
This time, his team didn't come on site and his girlfriend served as "the corner woman." But he still proved himself by dominating his taller opponent throughout.
It was the fourth consecutive Fight Night event held at the APEX in Las Vegas after the resumption of UFC competitions, as well the last event before the UFC Fight Island launches its first event on July 12 in Abu Dhabi's Yas Island.