A lightweight scrap featuring former interim champion Dustin Poirier taking on Dan Hooker headlined tonight’s UFC on ESPN 12 event.
Poirier (25-6 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since suffering a submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in his bid for the undisputed lightweight title at UFC 242. Prior to the setback, ‘The Diamond’ had put together a six-fight unbeaten streak, which included stoppage victories over Anthony Pettis, Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje.
Meanwhile, Dan Hooker (20-8 MMA) entered tonight’s UFC headliner on a three-fight win streak, his latest being a split decision victory over Paul Felder in February.
Tonight’s UFC on ESPN 12 main event proved to be an absolute war. After Dan Hooker appeared to be getting the better of Dustin Poirier through the opening two rounds, ‘The Diamond’ would rally late to force a definitive round five. In the final five minutes, Poirier was able to get the better of Hooker who was clearly losing steam. In the end, Dustin was awarded a unanimous decision victory from the judges in attendance.
Official UFC on ESPN 12 Result: Dustin Poirier def. Dan Hooker by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-46)
Check out how the pros reacted to Poirier defeating Hooker below:
Seriously @danthehangman coming out to Gates IDGT is so disrespectful but genius lol. Dustin has come out to this song numerous times lol
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 28, 2020
I’m so happy right now! The diamond is back! @DustinPoirier #UFCfightnight
— Walt Harris (@thebigticket205) June 28, 2020
Boy o boy this about to be a scrap!!! #UFCVegas4
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 28, 2020
Lafayette in the house! Let’s go @DustinPoirier #NOLA #UFCVegas4
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) June 28, 2020
Hooker looks tricky
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) June 28, 2020
I don’t see this fight going the distance
— Randa Markos (@randamma) June 28, 2020
These dudes are trying to kill each other
— Funky (@Benaskren) June 28, 2020
Let them BANG!!!!! @ufc
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) June 28, 2020
This is high-level fighting folks! #UFCVegas4
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/Justin_Gaethje/status/1277077822213730305
Craaazyyy!! Poirer will take over
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/MeganA_mma/status/1277078014828834819
It hurts my face watching this fight. #UFCVegas4
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) June 28, 2020
The best fight in 2020 is coming out of the APEX @ufc #UFCVegas4
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) June 28, 2020
If the judges don’t realize Porier is winning the guard position I’ll lose my mind @ufc @espn #UFCVegas4
— Frank Mir (@thefrankmir) June 28, 2020
This is crazy
— Dan “50k” Ige (@Dynamitedan808) June 28, 2020
Poirer keeps it standing and he got this, chapeau to both #UFCVegas4
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/USMAN84kg/status/1277081422851911680
Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker post-fight reactions:
https://twitter.com/POSTERBOYJM/status/1277082684175650816
Congratulations @DustinPoirier great fight
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/Justin_Gaethje/status/1277083406069665798
https://twitter.com/TonyFergusonXT/status/1277082985112547328
Who would you like to see Dustin Poirier fight next following his decision victory over Dan Hooker this evening in Las Vegas? Share your thoughts in the comments section PENN Nation!
This article first appeared on BJPENN.com on June 27, 2020