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Fresh off his main event war with Paul Felder (see it), Dan Hooker is looking to get himself into another bloody scrap. With Justin Gaethje potentially occupied by Conor McGregor, Hooker has readjusted his aim towards a different Lightweight contender: “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier.
Can you see me now. pic.twitter.com/xsCsrhtnQl
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) February 27, 2020
Poirier was last seen inside the Octagon opposite Khabib Nurmagomedov, but he was unable to score the upset. After the loss, Poirier went under the knife but seems ready to fight sooner than later, as he’s been calling for fights on Twitter fairly often. The former interim champion responded twice to Hooker and does seem interested in throwing down with the Kiwi. Specifically, Poirier indicated that he wants a five-round main event opportunity against Hooker.
https://t.co/1EJhecYzQV pic.twitter.com/txX7IJwSlp
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 27, 2020
I got 25 minutes for you https://t.co/1EJhecYzQV
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 27, 2020
Despite likely still feeling the after effects of his last brutal 25 minute brawl, Hooker agreed to sign up for another.
Just let me know when and where. https://t.co/bf4Wr93FeP
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) February 28, 2020
All things considered, this seems the fight to make for both men. If — and that’s a huge IF! — McGregor vs. Gaethje does go down at some point in the summer, the victor would almost certainly be next in line for a title shot. However, the winner here would be damn close to a shot at Lightweight gold as well, and there’s nearly a guarantee it would be a fun fight.
Book it!
Insomnia
Regional fight life is rarely a ton of fun.
Movsar Evloev was forced to pull out of his UFC 248 bout due to a motorcycle crash in Thailand. Both minor and major crashes are common in South East Asia, where bandaged up tourists are everywhere.
Girl power!
North Carolina girl wrestler dominates boys to become first ever female state champion https://t.co/kXv9545wYV
— ABC11 EyewitnessNews (@ABC11_WTVD) February 26, 2020
I admire the guts, but a bit of self-awareness in recognizing that the fight was more than over would be good.
An excellent example of a “combo for combo” drill, which is a pretty standard practice in most MMA gyms.
Body conditioning never changes but is always entertaining.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Luke Rockhold was an athletic beast in his day. Those times seem long gone, but I’ll fondly remember his string of finishes both in Strikeforce and UFC.
Luke Rockhold finished Paul Bradley in the first round 10 years ago today in Strikeforce. It was Rockhold’s sixth straight first round finish.#Strikeforce #UFC
pic.twitter.com/sJ9vi2ZtmB— Jon Realejo (@BloodyCanvasJon) February 26, 2020
It’s a bad idea to stand too tall in the pocket.
Underground king or comeback king?
Random Land
Man nearly broke the stratosphere.
Midnight Music: RIP to David Roback, founder and guitarist of Mazzy Star.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.