UFC 243 results: Hooker dominates Iaquinta in decision win

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Daniel Hooker just won a dominant decision over Al Iaquinta in the UFC 243 co-main event.

The co-main event for UFC 243 just witnessed the promotion’s #15 ranked lightweight Daniel Hooker out-class the #6 ranked Al Iaquinta to earn a unanimous decision. Hooker was firing on all cylinders tonight, and has now won six of his last seven. In his post-fight interview, he used his mic time to call out former title challenger Dustin Poirier.

Opening up the fight, Hooker took the center of the cage and began to attack the legs. Iaquinta tried to throw back punches, but a leg kick buckled him. Going hard for a takedown, Iaquinta ate several elbows. Hooker took the back, but Iaquinta scrambled up before anything could happen. Back on the feet, Hooker resumed his brutal leg attack, buckling Iaquinta once again.

Iaquinta came out winging his punches, but had a hard time connecting on the longer fighter. Hooker stayed with his calf kicks, prompting his opponent to switch stances as a result. Iaquinta tried to wrestle, but Hooker stayed a step ahead and off of his back. Then, Hooker dropped Iaquinta in the center of the cage with a right hand, and followed him to the floor in an attempt to finish. Iaquinta went for a last second ankle lock but Hooker wasn’t phased, and time ran out.

Iaquinta continued to fight southpaw in the third round, doing his best to avoid the leg kicks of Hooker. Fighting long, Hooker maintained his range and was able to pick off V as he tried to get on the inside. Hooker again buckled his foe with a low leg kick, , reducing the mobility of a desperate Iaquinta.

Daniel Hooker def. Al Iaquinta by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-26): Lightweight