Dustin Poirier faces Dan Hooker at UFC San Diego in May

D. Hooker (left) provokes D. Poirier (right) and the North American responds. Photo: Montage SL/MMA Press

Six months after losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov competing for the unification of the lightweight title (up to 70,2kg) at UFC242, Dustin poirier already has a new commitment to Ultimate. The North American will face Dan Hooker in the main fight of the San Diego card, which takes place on May 16, in the United States. The information was released by ‘MMA Junkie’.

See too

Adesanya praises Anderson Silva and puts him as an example in MMA: 'I want to be better than him'

Taila Santos faces Gillian Robertson June at UFC Saskatoon, Canada

Cejudo says he would face José Aldo and Deiveson Figueiredo on the same night: 'Co-main and main fight'

Currently in second place in the category ranking, the ‘Diamond’ even considered retiring from the sport after the setback to Khabib. However, the idea didn't last long. Aware that he still has a lot to offer within Ultimate, the North American accepted the challenge made by Hooker after the New Zealander won the battle against Paul felder in the main fight of UFC Auckland, held on February 22.

Last year, Poirier even asked for a fight against Conor McGregor, who hadn't played since October 2018, when he was beaten by Nurmagomedov himself. The Irishman, however, did not respond to the challenge and ended up acting against Donald Cerrone in a fight held in the welterweight category (up to 77kg.).

Noticing the rise of Hooker, who reached fifth place in the group, Dustin realized the chance of a great challenge and was motivated to face the New Zealander aiming for a chance to regain his status as challenger for the linear title in the category.

Today, at 31 years old, Poirier has 31 fights as a professional in MMA. The fighter has 25 wins, six losses and one fight without result.

Hooker, in turn, has 28 fights, with 20 triumphs and eight setbacks.