Over the last two years, Dan Hooker has turned himself into one of the most compelling fighters in the lightweight division.
Following a six-fight run at featherweight that saw him alternate wins and losses, the 28-year-old New Zealander opted to stop “shooting himself in the foot” by cutting down to the 145-pound limit. Instead, he relocated to lightweight and started showcasing his dangerous potential.
First came a second-round win over Ross Pearson where he stopped the British veteran dead in his tracks with a forceful knee to the chin. A third-round submission of prospect Marc Diakiese followed.