Paul Felder vs Dan Hooker UFC Auckland preview.

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1395 days ago

We have a hell of a main event on our hands on February 22nd, 2020 with the UFC returning to Auckland, New Zealand. The UFC has booked a lightweight bout with Dan “The Hangman” Hooker, fighting in his backyard against an always tough opponent, “The Irish Dragon,” Paul Felder. Both of these fighters have thrown jabs on Twitter over the last week, adding some bad blood into the mix. The two shared an intense face-off this morning in Auckland, with neither fighter willing to back down. This fight has all the making for a potential fight of the night.

Dan Hooker

29-year-old, 7th ranked, 155-pound fighter Dan Hooker, (20-8, 9-4 in the UFC) looks to continue his recent success into the New Year with a statement over #6th ranked Felder. The two first met face to face in 2018, after Hooker had a highlight reel KO against a gritty Jim Miller. Felder was doing the post-fight in-cage interviews when Hooker politely called out Felder for a future bout.

Dan, your wish came true, with an opportunity to win an important fight in the lightweight division in front of your home crowd. Coming off of two impressive victories in 2019, with a 1st round KO over James Vick in July, and a very decisive unanimous decision over Al Iquinta in October, Hooker looks to make a title run in 2020, starting with a win over Felder.

Paul Felder

35-year-old, 6th ranked, 155 pound fighter, Paul Felder is hoping to remain successful at lightweight after winning his last five 155 pound bouts. Felder has only lost one of his last six fights, with that one loss being a short notice, split decision to welterweight, Mike Perry. He’s also riding a two-fight win streak with a unanimous decision over James Vick in February, and a very close split decision in the rematch with Edson Barboza. Felder is hoping to leave enemy territory with a win and a reason to be considered one of the best contenders in the lightweight division.

This bout holds major implications in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions. With Khabib and Tony finalized for April, and Conor and Cowboy in January, as well as Dustin, sidelined with a hip injury, and Gaethje patiently waiting, this fight can play a big role in a potential #1 contender bout.

Stay tuned for updates on UFC Auckland, with the expectation being a lot more New Zealanders added to the fight card.

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