At a glance
UFC fight night results, main card:
■ Lightweight: Dan Hooker defeated Paul Felder via split decision
■ Light-heavyweight: Jimmy Crute defeated Michal Oleksiejczuk via first-round submission
■ Women’s strawweight: Yan Xiaonan defeated Karolina Kowalkiewicz via unanimous decision
■ Heavyweight: Marcos Rogerio de Lima defeated Ben Sosoli via first-round TKO
■ Lightweight: Brad Riddell defeated Magomed Mustafaev via split decision
Both men were later taken to the hospital for observation.
The 30-year-old surged home in the final round, which ultimately proved decisive as he edged the result 47-48, 48-47, 48-47.
Having now won seven of his last eight bouts, Hooker announced himself as major player in the division and is expected to move into the top-five of the rankings.
He immediately set his sights on a date with the fourth-ranked Justin Gaethje in his post-fight interview.
‘‘I’ll defend this land, no matter what the cost,’’ Hooker said.
‘‘It was an honour [to fight Felder]. He’s a tough son of a gun. I enjoyed myself. I want Justin Gaethje next. Let’s go.’’
The stakes were just as high for the sixth-ranked Felder but after coming up agonisingly short, he indicated his career may be coming to an end.
Hooker’s victory capped a tremendous day for Auckland gym City Kickboxing as all three fighters on display had their hands raised.
Lightweight Brad Riddell won a split decision over Magomed Mustafaev, while Kai KaraFrance recorded a convincing, unanimous division against Tyson Nam.
However, Australian-born, Kiwi-raised heavyweight Ben Sosoli (7-3) was knocked out in the first round by Brazil’s Marcos Rogerio de Lima (17-7-1).
In the main event, Felder edged the significant strike count 133-119 but his face told a different story as Hooker opened him up.
It was a measured start by Hooker.
He constantly circled his opponent looking to establish range, while staying out of the way of Felder’s right hand.
Felder managed to sweep Hooker off his feet with a leg kick, but it was the Kiwi who found more openings with his longer reach.
Heading into the final round, it was anyone’s fight, and after a steady start both began swinging.
With a minute to go, Hooker finally secured the takedown and took control. victory