Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Poirier vs Hooker will surely bring fireworks.
After his close, back-and-forth war with Paul Felder in February, Dan Hooker called for a “battle for the highlight reel” next. He may not get the exact person he had in mind, but the lightweight striker will seemingly get what he asked for.
In a bout that pits two people known for being among the most entertaining — and violent — fighters at lightweight, Hooker is reportedly being lined up for a match up against Dustin Poirier next. According to a report from MMA Junkie, the bout is in the works to headline UFC San Diego, but contracts have yet to be signed and finalized as of this writing.
The event will be hosted at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, on May 16.
Since moving up to lightweight, Hooker has won seven of his last eight bouts in impressive fashion. This includes five finishes, and two impressive and entertaining decisions over Paul Felder and Al Iaquinta.
Poirier, on the other hand, is coming off a loss to the champion Khabib Nurmagomedov last September. That loss ended an unbeaten, five-bout streak that saw intense slugfests against the likes of Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Anthony Pettis.