The best and worst from UFC on ESPN: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards

#3 Best: Hooker’s beautiful knockout

Dan Hooker knocked out James Vick in beautiful fashion

I picked Dan Hooker to beat James Vick last night due largely to his long frame; I figured Vick wouldn’t be used to fighting a guy almost as tall and lanky as him, and if Hooker could land a big shot, Vick would probably be knocked out due to his questionable chin. I was also worried, however, that the beating Hooker took from Edson Barboza would have affected his future for good.

Well, thankfully I was wrong on the latter. ‘The Hangman’ seemed fine after 7 months away from the Octagon and did exactly what I’d hoped he could, landing a nasty left hand that dropped Vick halfway through the first round before finishing him off violently with some punches on the ground. It was the first finish of the night, too, giving it an extra-special quality.

Post-fight Hooker asked to be placed on the Australian UFC 243 card, and I don’t see why that shouldn’t happen. Given he just iced a guy on the verge of title contention last year, there could be an argument for matching Hooker with a top ten opponent, too. Given the Kiwi comes off as a genuinely nice guy – and has an exciting fighting style too – I look forward to it.