UFC Auckland: Dan Hooker Edges Out Paul Felder Via Split Decision

Dan Hooker earned a hard win over Paul Felder at UFC Auckland and brought joy to the majority of the crowd in his native city. The Kiwi’s victory came via split decision and after a tremendous performance by both parties.

Two judges scored 48-47 for Hooker, while one gave an advantage to Felder with the same score. According to many fans who shared their opinion on social networks, this was one of the best bouts in the last couple of years.

Both fighters gave their best and were ruthless to one another right from the start. There were no calculations, but instead and old-school fight and the spectators really had an opportunity to enjoy. The UFC didn’t have any trouble with choosing this bout as the “Fight of the Night” and with awarding the bonus to bot participants.

“It was an honor [to fight Paul Felder],” Hooker said. “He’s a tough son of a gun. I enjoyed myself.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srma-La4m6w

The event had two parts, the first which lasted for the opening two rounds in which Hooker (20-8 MMA, 10-4 UFC) dominated and the last two sequences in which Felder (17-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) turned the tables. Eventually, it appears that Kiwi had a slight advantage with the judges.

The New Zealand fighter opened the contest strong, and was using his long arms to punish the rival from Ireland. He would also hurt Felder’s legs with strong kicks, often making combinations that forced the opponent to go backward.

It was the same in the second, with Felder receiving a few hits in the head which swollen his right eye. But the tide began changing in the third, as Irishman’s stamina started to emerge to the surface. He began to get near Hooker and work form inside, using his hard left to beat the Kiwi. In the fourth, Hooker was well-shaken but managed to regroup before the final round, which was all-in for both sides.

Eventually, the host saved himself with one takedown, controlling Felder on the ground, and keeping the situation on the scorecards intact. It proved to be the right move for him.

“I knew it was close,” Felder said. “I feel like I hurt him a lot in the fight, but he got the takedowns, which is smart. He busted me up pretty good. That might be it for me.”

Hooker called out Justin Gaethje, saying that he wants to meet the American next. This was his seventh win in sight matches in the lightweight category, and the third one in a row. Coming into this bout, he was No.8 on the list of contenders.

On the other side, No.4 Felder was highly emotional, indicating that he might retire. According to his words, he can’t endure being separated from his daughter.

Paul Felder announces retirement 😭😭😭

Love that gesture from Dan Hooker ❤️❤️#UFCAuckland https://t.co/Vb2P055B1T

— MMA India (@MMAIndiaShow) February 23, 2020

“Man, I got a 4-year-old at home that misses me every time I go away like this,” Felder tearfully said.

His coach Duke Roufus declined the possibility of his protégé retiring, adding that the Irishman stated that while being under the impression from the fight. Brian Bulter, Felder’s manger, backed up that story.

“Paul will be back,” Butler said. “He said it to me in the back. … Emotions run high, but Paul knows he won that fight and is not hanging it up just yet.”

UFC Auckland is over, and we are awaiting UFC Fight Night 169 next, with the main event between Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figuiredo.