Abu Dhabi hosted the co-main event of UFC 257, in which former three-time Bellator champion Michael Chandler (21-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC) made his league debut against sixth lightweight Dan Hooker (20-9 MMA, 10-5 UFC).
Dan Hooker vs Michael Chandler. UFC 257. Video fight
Dan Hooker vs Michael Chandler
Chandler immediately took over the center of the octagon, pushing Hooker against the net. The New Zealander tried to hit Michael’s front leg, but the ex-Bellator champion stepped forward confidently, feeding his opponent with body punches. Dan Hooker was relaxed, stepping back, he continued to work low-kicks, avoiding exchanges.
Another blow to the leg for a second threw Chandler off balance, but then Michael, once again hitting the body, unexpectedly added a left hook to the jaw, which knocked Dan Hooker off his feet. Chandler immediately began to finish off the shocked opponent. The New Zealander covered himself with his hands, but did nothing more, which forced the referee to stand between the fighters and stop the fight.