Dan Hooker vs. Paul Felder full fight video highlights - UFC Auckland

Dan Hooker captured the biggest win of his career last night (Sat., Feb. 22, 2020) at UFC Fight Night 168 live on ESPN+ from inside Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, when he outlasted veteran Paul Felder in an epic five-round main event for a split-decision victory.

Hooker opened up the fight with hard leg kicks from all angles, but Felder was able to counter with some clean punches. “Hangman” responded with fast jabs and more strikes to the legs. Both men landed hard strikes inside as the first frame came to a close.

Felder’s eye had swollen shut entering the second which made it more difficult to track Hooker’s movements around the outer circle. Hooker continued with leg attacks and kicks to the body before briefly taking Felder’s back. Felder would eventually break free and scored a timely spinning back fist. “Irish Dragon” then launched an explosive offensive attack that connected with Hooker’s head and won back some momentum.

In the third, Felder looked to regain more control as Hooker slowed. It allowed “Irish Dragon” to move inside for short upper cuts and combinations. Hooker would gain back some steam as he landed his lead jab at least five times, really putting an end to Felder’s swollen eye.

Felder was able to land big shots early into the fourth which started to take its toll on Hooker. A right hand from Felder stunned Hooker and “Hangman” was forced to tie things up along the cage. Felder was there for a big elbow off the break as his offense poured on to silence the Auckland crowd.

The last round saw Felder land more power shots early. That was until Hooker scored some straight punches along the cage as Felder returned with a counter right. Felder landed another massive right hand before Hooker secured an ultra-important takedown with moment remaining. Hooker didn’t do much from top position but left a lasting impression on the judges.

In the end, it was Hooker who did more damage over the course of 25 hard-fought minutes to steal the win from Felder.

Check out the video highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN:

For complete UFC Auckland results and coverage click here.