UFC Auckland video recap: Hooker wins split decision over Felder

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Dan Hooker continued his good run at lightweight with a split decision win against Paul Felder at UFC Auckland.

In the main event of UFC Auckland, Dan Hooker got the nod against Paul Felder by split decision in a extremely close fight.

What was the high point of the fight?

The rivalry between both men was evidenced in their aggressive output in the first round. Hooker did well at countering Felder’s forward pressure by chopping away at his lead leg with calf kicks. Felder started to have more success in the fight at the end of the second round, but Hooker still was landing strikes at range and making use of his reach advantage.

In the fourth round, Felder landed a big right hand that made Hooker lose his balance for a moment but “The Hangman” did a good job to recover and land shots of his own. The fight was extremely close come the fifth round, but both men had their moments in the final round with Hooker securing a takedown at the buzzer.

Where do both men go from here?

In his post-fight interview, Felder contemplated retirement as he said this fight could be his last. With two wins in his last three, Felder is still a legit contender at lightweight and it would be a shame to seen him cut his fighting career short.

Hooker has now won three straight fights after his gruelling loss to Edson Barboza in late 2018. Following a KO win against James Vick, decision wins against Al Iaquinta and now Felder puts Hooker in a good spot at 155-pounds. The New Zealander called for a fight with Justin Gaethje after the win.

Watch it now, later or never?

It was a great main event, watch it now.