.png)
Dan Hooker showcased his resilience and tenacity at UFC 305, emerging victorious in a grueling back-and-forth battle against Mateusz Gamrot. In what was arguably the biggest win of his career, Hooker overcame early adversity to secure a split-decision victory after three rounds of intense action.
The fight began with Gamrot demonstrating his striking prowess, tagging Hooker with a powerful right hand in the opening round. This set up a takedown for the former KSW champion, who managed to bring Hooker to the canvas. Despite the early success, Gamrot couldn’t keep Hooker grounded for long. Hooker scrambled back to his feet, only to be wobbled again by another hard shot from Gamrot, who followed up with a barrage of punches on the ground.
However, just when it seemed Hooker was in serious trouble, he rallied back, landing a massive left hook that rattled Gamrot. Sensing an opportunity, Hooker pressed forward, but Gamrot managed to survive the onslaught and make it to the end of the round.
In the second round, Gamrot wasted no time reverting to his wrestling, securing a double-leg takedown in the center of the octagon. He advanced to side control and looked to punish Hooker with ground-and-pound, but the Kiwi fighter eventually broke free. Hooker even attempted a guillotine choke in response to another takedown attempt, but Gamrot’s relentless grappling kept the pressure on.
As the fight entered the final round, Hooker began to push the pace, unleashing a series of striking combinations. Although Gamrot continued to land some solid right hands, Hooker’s power and precision were on full display. He effectively shrugged off Gamrot’s takedown attempts and capitalized on any space he was given to land heavy shots.
By the time the final horn sounded, both fighters were battered and bruised, but Hooker’s ability to defend takedowns and deliver more significant strikes swayed the judges in his favor. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 for Hooker, while the third gave it 29-28 to Gamrot, resulting in a split decision win for the New Zealand native.
“How you like me now?” Hooker shouted after the hard-fought victory. “I don’t think I fought that well but you get in a fight, you get your hand raised, that’s all that counts. I’m tougher than old leather. I know I can walk down any man in this world.”
With this win, Hooker is poised to make significant strides in the lightweight division, having defeated a highly-ranked contender in Gamrot. Looking ahead, Hooker has his sights set on even bigger challenges.
“I want them all,” Hooker declared. “I want the ‘BMF.’ I want Conor McGregor. I want a title eliminator.”
Comments