Recap: Dustin Poirier wins stand-up war against Dan Hooker

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Dustin Poirier got the nod against Dan Hooker after five-rounds of non-stop action at UFC Vegas 4.

In what could easily be 2020’s Fight of the Year. Dustin Poirier defeated Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Vegas 4 by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-46)

What was the high point of the fight?

Both men had good moments on the feet in the first round. Poirier showed some good clinch work against the cage landing elbows whilst Hooker remained in the pocket landing to the body. Round two was an absolute slugfest. Hooker and Poirier were both throwing punches like it was the end of the fifth round.

As Hooker shot for a takedown Poirier almost secured a guillotine choke, but Hooker popped his out to avoid it. Poirier was landing some heavy ground and pound as Hooker struggled to defend himself. Poirier was the fresher fighter in the fifth round fresher, landing more punches as Hooker was visibly exhausted.

Where do they go from here?

Poirier is now back in the win column after losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov in September of last year. With Khabib likely to face Justin Gaethje next, maybe Poirier either fights the winner or loser of that fight.

The loss snaps Hooker’s three-fight winning streak. “The Hangman” proved he is one of the top contenders at 155-pounds with his performance against Poirier, so maybe a fight against the in-form Charles Oliveira would be good next for Hooker.

Watch it now, later or never?

It was an absolute war on the feet, you have to watch it now.