Fighters React To Dan Hooker Stopping Claudio Puelles At UFC 281

Dan Hooker came out on top in a true clash of styles opposite Claudio Puelles on the main card of UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden. The two lightweights entered the opening bout of the UFC 281 main card in very different positions, as Hooker was on a t…

Dan Hooker came out on top in a true clash of styles opposite Claudio Puelles on the main card of UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden. The two lightweights entered the opening bout of the UFC 281 main card in very different positions, as Hooker was on a two-fight losing streak and Puelles had won…

Continue Reading Fighters React To Dan Hooker Stopping Claudio Puelles At UFC 281 at MMA News.

Dan Hooker snaps skid with body kick stoppage win against Claudio Puelles – UFC 281 Highlights

Dan HookerSnapping his disappointing run of back-to-back losses at both the lightweight and featherweight limit, Auckland striker, Dan Hooker manages to halt the surge of Claudio Puelles, stopping the Peruvian with a nasty body kick TKO win in the second round of their UFC 281 main card opener at Madison Square Garden. Rebounding from consecutive losses […]

Dan Hooker

Snapping his disappointing run of back-to-back losses at both the lightweight and featherweight limit, Auckland striker, Dan Hooker manages to halt the surge of Claudio Puelles, stopping the Peruvian with a nasty body kick TKO win in the second round of their UFC 281 main card opener at Madison Square Garden.

Rebounding from consecutive losses to both newly minted champion, Islam Makhachev and recent main event victor, Arnold Allen, Hooker, a teammate of event headliner, Israel Adesanya at City Kickboxing — survived an onslaught of heel hook and imanari roll attempts from Puelles throughout the opening round of their main card fight.

Displaying some decent body work in the second frame, Hooker managed to capitalize on hay in the barn, finishing the grappling expert with a front kick to the body in the final minute of the round.

Below, catch highlights from Dan Hooker’s win over Claudio Puelles

Dan Hooker Recalls “Let It Snap” Mindset Ahead Of Claudio Puelles Bout

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has recalled when he was willing to “let it snap” ahead of his showdown with submission specialist Claudio Puelles. Having failed to re-find form at featherweight earlier this year, Hooker has re-committed to the …

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has recalled when he was willing to “let it snap” ahead of his showdown with submission specialist Claudio Puelles. Having failed to re-find form at featherweight earlier this year, Hooker has re-committed to the 155-pound division, where he’ll look to notch his first win since last September when he returns to…

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Recalls “Let It Snap” Mindset Ahead Of Claudio Puelles Bout at MMA News.

Hooker Dismisses ‘Washed’ Claims: “These Blokes Quit Too Easy”

Aussie Scrapper Dan Hooker has come out to defend himself over some fans’ opinions that his time has passed. Hooker has lost four of his last five outings, with three of them by way of stoppage. The most recent came at the hands of England’…

Aussie Scrapper Dan Hooker has come out to defend himself over some fans’ opinions that his time has passed. Hooker has lost four of his last five outings, with three of them by way of stoppage. The most recent came at the hands of England’s Arnold Allen in the first round after a barrage of…

Continue Reading Hooker Dismisses ‘Washed’ Claims: “These Blokes Quit Too Easy” at MMA News.

Hooker Returns To LW, Meets Puelles At UFC 281 On Nov. 12

The UFC 281 card has further taken shape with the addition of another City Kickboxing standout, as Dan Hooker has been paired with Claudio Puelles. On November 12, the MMA leader will return to the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York City. Wi…

The UFC 281 card has further taken shape with the addition of another City Kickboxing standout, as Dan Hooker has been paired with Claudio Puelles. On November 12, the MMA leader will return to the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York City. With it will come a blockbuster middleweight showdown between champion Israel Adesanya…

Continue Reading Hooker Returns To LW, Meets Puelles At UFC 281 On Nov. 12 at MMA News.

Puelles: I Proved I’m “Ready For Big Things” With Guida Submission

UFC lightweight prospect Claudio Puelles believes he made a firm statement in his latest outing, and one he believes should lead to “big things.” Puelles entered the Octagon for the first time in 2022 last weekend, providing one of the highlights of what was an entertaining UFC Vegas 52 card. In the co-main event, he…

Continue Reading Puelles: I Proved I’m “Ready For Big Things” With Guida Submission at MMA News.

UFC lightweight prospect Claudio Puelles believes he made a firm statement in his latest outing, and one he believes should lead to “big things.”

Puelles entered the Octagon for the first time in 2022 last weekend, providing one of the highlights of what was an entertaining UFC Vegas 52 card. In the co-main event, he shared the cage with veteran Clay Guida.

Despite Guida’s 45-fight advantage in experience, it was Puelles who looked masterful on the night, transitioning between submissions before locking in an impressive kneebar for the finish three minutes into the opening round.

With the victory, which marked his third kneebar tapout in the UFC, Puelles extended his win streak to five.

Now, with a second bonus-winning performance and the established name of a former Strikeforce champion on his résumé, the Peruvian believes he’s proven his credentials inside the Octagon.

Puelles Targets PPV Booking Next Time Out

During an interview with MMA News’ own Curtis Calhoun days out from his memorable triumph in Las Vegas, Puelles discussed what his 12th professional victory means for his career.

After suggesting that many doubted his ability to hang with Guida pre-fight, including his own compatriots, Puelles asserted that they now know he’s ready for “big things” in the sport.

“A lot of people, especially from Peru, they didn’t believe I could take on Clay,” said Puelles. “I proved to them that I can and that I’m ready for big things.”

What might said “big things” involve? How about a slot on pay-per-view next time out? Having missed the presence of his family during a trio of bouts inside the small-capacity Apex facility, Puelles is raring to make an arena walk.

“(My family) are very excited. I’m a little sad that they haven’t been able to watch my last three fights in person because they’ve been at the Apex,” noted Puelles. “But maybe I get a pay-per-view spot next time and they’re able to come out. So, I’m just waiting for that. Maybe I get a chance.”

Despite not having an opponent in mind, Puelles does have a return month on his radar. After putting his bonus money to good use and returning to his home country of Peru for the first time in over a year this summer, “El Niño” is hoping to continue his march up the UFC ladder in September.

“About opponent, I’ve gotta talk first with my manager. I cannot decide. But date, I was thinking—I don’t wanna rush it. I fought like four months ago. I fought in December and now I fought in April, so that was kinda fast. So, now maybe September,” Puelles told MMA News.

“I got the bonus, so that’s a little extra money. I gotta do a couple moves with that money now. Important things that I gotta do outside of fighting. So yeah, I think I’ll be ready to come back in September.”

Check out our full interview with UFC lightweight Claudio Puelles below:

Who would you like to see Claudio Puelles share the Octagon with next?

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