Dustin Poirier defeats Dan Hooker in exciting fight at UFC Las Vegas 4

D. Poirier in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Dustin poirier e Dan Hooker met expectations in the main fight of the UFC Las Vegas 4, held this Saturday (27). In an electrifying confrontation, the North American and the New Zealander exchanged forces for five rounds and, in the end, the judges declared Poirier the winner in a unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 48-47).

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The meeting between Poirier and Hooker represented an important marriage for the category dominated by Khabib Nurmagomedov. The clash marked Dustin's return to the octagon nine months after being defeated by the current champion in the title unification duel.

To win again, the North American had an obligation to interrupt Dan's good run, which had three positive results in a row and hadn't lost since December 2018. Although he had a setback, the New Zealander sold the contest dearly.

Now, the 'Diamond' will wait for the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and the interim champion, Justin gaethje. Current number three in the rankings, Dustin remains one of the favorites for a title fight in the future.

The fight

The duel began with the athletes risking kicks to the waistline. Hooker connected with a cross to Dustin's face, who was trying to find the distance. Dan continued to bet on kicks, while Dustin tried to find the best moment to attack. The New Zealander continued to launch the most significant attacks and the North American defended himself. Poirier opted for grappling and pressed his opponent against the bars, but Dan managed to escape. In the final minute, the athletes started to exchange franks. The New Zealander's low kicks began to bother the North American, who tried but was unable to protect himself. In the last few seconds, the fighters faced each other until the timer reached zero.

In the second round, Poirier started with an advantage with a sequence of punches that forced his opponent to move backwards. Hooker, however, managed to respond with a dangerous jab and right hand. Dan felt the good moment and continued attacking the North American. Dustin managed to free himself, but the moment was not favorable. Halfway through the round, the athletes seemed to save more on their attacks so as not to be surprised by exhaustion. Little by little, the North American began to loosen up his boxing and began to hurt the New Zealander's face. In the final seconds, the fighters returned to open exchanges with the advantage for Dan. Realizing the bad moment, Poirier tried to take the fight to the ground, but the attack was defended. Hooker managed a series of punches and kicks on Dustin and almost knocked his opponent out, but the American was saved by the bell.

The third round began with Dan trying to corner Poirier, who had been punished at the end of the previous stage. Even at a disadvantage, the North American remained dangerous in his striking, but Hooker was attentive. As the minutes passed, the lightweights showed a lot of resistance. Halfway through the round, Dan managed a takedown, but was almost surprised with a guillotine choke. On the ground, the New Zealander hit his rival from top to bottom. Dustin tried to find a submission, but his opponent showed a lot of concentration. In the final minute, Dustin managed to get up and attack his opponent with a right and a cross that shook Dan.

The fourth stage began with Poirier taking the initiative with two straight shots to Dan's face. The athletes appeared more tired and had some injuries to their faces. Hooker managed to take down the American, who got up, but ended up giving his back to his opponent. The New Zealander tried to look for a submission. Dustin managed to get up and returned the fall to his rival. Dustin started to attack his opponent and tried an armbar. Dan defended himself, but the American insisted on the grip. The New Zealander managed to free himself, but was almost caught in a guillotine choke. The fighters exchanged punches on the ground until the round ended.

In the final round, more tired, the athletes saved their attacks. With a very balanced challenge, every wrong move could result in the loss of the fight. Poirier tried to score as much as possible with jabs. The New Zealander tried to respond, but he no longer had the same explosiveness as in previous rounds. Dustin remained more dangerous and connected clean punches to his opponent's face. Realizing the bad moment, Dan managed a takedown, but the American managed to get up. In the final minute, Hooker continued to insist on the takedown, while Dustin bet on striking. Poirier attempted a submission, but there was no more time.

UFC Las Vegas 4 results

MAIN CARD

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Dustin poirier derrotou Dan Hooker in the unanimous decision of the judges (48-47, 48-47, 48-46)

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Mike Perry derrotou Mickey gall in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Maurice Greene finished Gian Villante with a katagatame 3m34s from R3

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Brendan allen derrotou Kyle Daukaus in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Takashi Sato derrotou Jason Witt by knockout 48s into R1

Married weight (up to 68kg): julian erosa finished Sean Woodson with a Japanese choke at 2m44s of R3

PRELIMINARY CARD

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Khama Worthy finished Luis Peña with a guillotine 2m53s from R3

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Tanner Boser derrotou Philip Lins by knockout at 2:41 of R1

Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Kay hansen finished Jinh Yu Frey with an armbar at 2m26s of R3

Featherweight (up to 65,2kg): Youssef Zalal derrotou Jordan Griffin in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)