UFC On ESPN 12 Full Fight Video: Watch Dan Hooker Defeat Paul Felder

Dan Hooker was on a two-fight winning streak when he and Paul Felder faced off in the main event of UFC Fight Night 168. The event took place in front of a sold out crowd in Hooker’s hometown of Auckland, New Zealand. At the time of the February matchup, Felder had also won his two previous outings.

Hooker, who entered the contest as the No. 7 ranked fighter in the official UFC lightweight rankings, was the favorite at -155. Felder, who checked in as the No. 6 ranked 145-pounder, was the +125 underdog.

Hooker did a nice job working calf kicks during the early going of the first stanza. He also moved a great deal on the outside, while Felder followed him and looked to close the distance between them.

When the second round began, Felder’s right eye was swelling shut and blood flowed from his nose. Felder was more aggressive in the second round and found more success in closing the distance, especially as the round came to a close.

The third wound was Hooker’s most effective. He used his jab well and racked up a 61 percent landing rate with his significant strikes. With that, Hooker continued to mark up the face of his opponent.

Felder’s strikes came harder and more often in the fourth round and he wobbled Hooker 90 seconds into the fourth stanza. As the round progressed, Hooker did his best to slow things down by working Felder against the cage.

The final round was fairly even in striking stats, but Hooker was the more accurate competitor as he circled on the outside and looked to keep Felder from closing distance.

Hooker’s gas tank might have run low in the final two rounds, but his defensive work was enough to carry him to a split decision victory.

Tonight, Hooker faces Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC on ESPN 12. ESPN broadcasts the entire event. The fight card, which takes place at UFC Apex, also streams on ESPN+