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#5. Paul Felder vs. Dan Hooker (Lightweight)
No glove touch and that was enough to blow the roof off the place as if it wasn't already electric enough inside the arena.
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Felder stalked Hooker in the early stages of the fight but it was the New Zealander who drew first blood with a snappy overhead right. Felder maintained Octagon control as he pressed his opponent and looked for an opening to exploit. Felder was doing a good job of controlling the centre but he was having a tough time closing the distance as Hooker was light on his feet. Hooker tried to wear Felder down with the leg kicks as he managed his range really well in the first round and targetted Felder's lead leg.
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The second round began in a similar fashion as Felder pushed forward but Hooker's range management was on point again. The leg kicks continued to land for Hooker and he threw in the occasional jabs in as well to good effect. Felder overcommitted to a combination and gave up his back in the standing position. Hooker tried to get the under hooks from the back but Felder stayed patient as he worked on the wrists.
Felder pushed Hooker back against the cage and they were back circling the Octagon again. Felder picked up the pace as he looked to close the distance again but he walked into a knee. Both men ended the round with a wild exchange as Felder stared his opponent down after the hooter. We had a proper fight on our hands!
Hooker was getting the better of the stand-up exchanges in the third round. It was interesting to note that there was not a single takedown attempt as both men were content with a striking battle. The leg kicks were taking a toll on Felder as he was less mobile as the round went on. They exchanged strikes in the clinch to see off the round. Felder ate a few shots in the round but he also landed quite a few.
Hooker seemed to have been hurt by a strike from Felder, however, the American didn't follow up quickly enough for a potential finish. Hooker changed levels and got hold of Felder's back again in the standing position. They broke up and exchanged a few hard shots. They clinched and Felder landed a few solid elbows from the inside.
Felder brought the fight to Hooker in the final round as he landed with a lot of combinations and strikes. However, Hooker landed a solid takedown and the fans loved it. An epic scramble ensued with the fans up on their feet as the amazing back-and-forth contest came to an end.
Result: Dan Hooker def. Paul Felder via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
As advertised, this ended up being an epic fight. It was close but that takedown at the end may have done it for Hooker.
In his post-fight interview, an emotional Felder revealed that this could be the last MMA fight and that just makes use incredibly sad.
