23 Feb 2020

Hooker takes down Felder in UFC split decision

5:35 pm on 23 February 2020

New Zealand mixed martial arts fighter Dan Hooker has edged American Paul Felder in a split decision at the UFC Fight Night 168 in Auckland.

New Zealand fighter Dan Hooker grapples with Paul Felder in their UFC lightweight bout in Auckland.

New Zealand fighter Dan Hooker grapples with Paul Felder in their UFC lightweight bout in Auckland. Photo: Photosport

The lightweight headline bout went five rounds, with Hooker finishing strongly to win the judges nod. It couldn't have been closer, Hooker getting there 48-47 47-48 48-47. Currently sitting at No.7, Hooker is now looking at a top-five UFC world ranking.

Earlier on the main card, New Zealanders Brad Riddell and Kai Kara France both registered wins.

Riddell took a split decision win over Russian Magomed Mustafaev in a lightweight bout while flyweight France defeat American Tyson Nam in a unanimous decision.

Brazilian heavyweight Marcos Rogerio de Lima dispatched New Zealand's Ben Sosoli with a knockout in the first round.