Dan Hooker won a crucial win Saturday. He stopped Claudio Puelles by using a string of body kicks to stop him in round two at UFC 281.
Following back-to-back losses at lightweight and featherweight, Hooker absolutely wanted to avoid a third defeat in a row but he looked determined in his efforts as he fought a smart and calculated game plan after thwarting the grappling attempts from Puelles. Hooker didn’t give up on the takedown and began to attack Puelles with front kicks.
The final kick landed and Puelles just crumbled to the mat with referee Keith Peterson waiving off the fight with the official stoppage coming at 4:06 in the second round.
” They don’t believe that we exist. Hooker stated that God did. “I’m 6-foot with a vicious hook. I make nails looks soft. Perth, I’m coming for you. Any man walking on the face of this Earth can get it.”
Hooker, who has a superior height and reach, tried to keep the distance by using a variety of kicks but Puelles returned the favor and dived on Puelles’ ankle to drag him to the floor. Puelles, a notable leg-lock expert, was immediately at work looking for heel hooks, then a kneebar, but Hooker remained patient and found a way out.
Hooker, back on his feet was the stronger striker. However, he was careful to not overextend himself so that Puelles could grab him again for another grappling match. Hooker started snapping off a straight right hand that was giving Puelles serious trouble.
The crowd was also growing frustrated with Puelles as he continued to drop down and grab for a leg but when he couldn’t finish the takedown, the Peruvian fighter just kept falling to his back.
Late in round 2, Hooker began to kick Puelles in the midsection with a front kick. It was obvious that he did not have an answer as he continued to absorb the strikes without resorting to any form of reprisal.
With Puelles backing up, Hooker then threw another kick which landed directly to the stomach. Peterson was able to see enough damage to end the fight and stop Puelles from further injury.
Hooker has won the UFC 284 promotion and is looking forward to fighting in Australia’s February edition.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/11/12/23455603/ufc-281-results-dan-hooker-gets-back-on-track-with-body-shot-knockout-to-stop-claudio-puelles?rand=96749
