For the initially time given that November, Dan Hooker returns to Octagon this Saturday.
Hooker is on the lookout to construct a new profitable streak when he matches up towards Jalin Turner at UFC 290.
“This struggle is an interesting prospect,” states Hooker. “I’m chomping at the little bit to get my fingers on him.”
This bout was initially scheduled for UFC 285 in March, but Mateusz Gamrot replaced Hooker soon after he experienced an injuries to his hand.
“I was schooling, and when I was wrestling, my hand snapped again,” says Hooker (22-12). “It’s something I experience like I’ve carried out 20,000 situations, but on the 20,001 time, I broke my hand.
“Ultimately, it’s given me a lot more time to prepare for Turner, and it’s fantastic to be component of the 290 card. The harm has not even crossed my mind in the course of camp. I’m at 100 %, and I’m itching to get in there.”
Saturday’s struggle in Las Vegas will mark Hooker’s first bout of the calendar year. He was victorious in November in the course of his debut at Madison Square Backyard garden, opening the UFC 281 major card with a TKO acquire versus Claudio Puelles.
“When I acquired to Madison Square Backyard and started going for walks down the hallway, I noticed all these pics on the wall,” says Hooker. “Someone instructed me, ‘If you win, you get your image on the wall.’ So I’m wondering, ‘That’s unwell. The up coming time I come again to Madison Square Backyard garden, my picture is heading to be on the wall.’”
Following up for Hooker is Turner (13-6), a 6’3” force who has gained five of his final six fights. Turner is rated no. 10 between the lightweights, 1 place larger than Hooker.
“Turner’s youthful, hungry, and difficult,” claims Hooker. “He’s acquired a quite fascinating way he utilizes his achieve. I’m fairly relaxed with range, so it will be intriguing to see how he adapts.
“His design and style is hard, but he’s not likely to be in a position to come out and do the very same matters he’s been undertaking in opposition to another person as long as I am. He’s a obstacle, and I’ve well prepared for it.”
When his emphasis is on Turner, that has not prevented Hooker from pursuing the Conor McGregor-Michael Chandler saga. He believes they will in the long run combat, and hopes to have a rematch towards Chandler.
“The Chandler combat was much from my finest moment,” claims Hooker, who lost to Chandler by TKO in January of 2021. “I’d appreciate yet another possibility at Chandler, and I consider it will take place at some point. He’ll appear to occur in and be aggressive and exchange with Conor McGregor. It will not be quick for Conor, but that is a win Conor needs to be again in title rivalry, which is what he wants.”
Only times continue to be ahead of the struggle against Turner, but Hooker, who is from Auckland, New Zealand, is a extended way from residence. Thanks to a suggestion from Israel Adesanya, he has programs to binge watch Black Mirror on the Fourth of July.
“Israel’s suggestions are usually horrible, but this 1 is pretty fantastic,” states Hooker, laughing. “Israel set me on to Black Mirror. I’ve been driving the eight-ball, but which is what I’m watching–and what I’ll be seeing the rest of battle week.”
Title bouts featuring Alexander Volkanovski and Brandon Moreno headline loaded UFC 290
Alexander Volkanovski and Brandon Moreno protect their respective titles on Saturday at UFC 290.
Each individual enter as favorites, and however each are anticipated to exit T-Cellular Arena with the title in hand, there is no doubt that a authentic challenge awaits.
Volkanovski faces the multipurpose Yair Rodriguez. The latest interim champ, Rodriguez can strike and dominate on the mat. If Volkanovski can provide another masterpiece, he will consider a giant phase towards becoming the greatest featherweight champion in UFC record. That distinction nevertheless belongs to José Aldo, who defended the belt 7 times for the duration of his reign from 2011 via 2014. At 290, Volkanovski is trying to defend his title for a fifth time.
Moreno defends his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja. It stands as a prospect for redemption, as Pantoja gained their initial bout in 2018,. He also defeated Moreno two many years prior on The Greatest Fighter. Unless you imagine Amir Albazi is completely ready for a title shot, then this fight is pivotal for Moreno to get a title protection against Henry Cejudo. Originally lukewarm on the plan of fighting at flyweight, it appears Cejudo has established that is his most effective shot at regaining a globe title. For Moreno, their bout would lead to the brightest spotlight of his profession.
From the prelims to the most important card, UFC 290 is stacked. There are no shortage of stars, and we’ll even be treated to a Robbie Lawler combat on the final bout of the prelims. In the long run, the concentrate will be on the titles, and with Volkanovski and Moreno seeking to even further cement their destinations in the sport.
Sean Strickland finishes the night time in victory, but Grant Dawson steals the highlight
Sean Strickland is moving back again into middleweight title contention.
Strickland defeated Abus Magomedov in the headline bout of the UFC on ESPN very last Saturday. He gained Effectiveness of the Night with a showing that marks his 2nd victory in a row. Following suffering two straight losses, Strickland (27-5) is regaining momentum in the middleweight division.
Magomedov (25-5-1) gassed himself out in the 1st spherical where he went all out. But he could not locate a way to shut out the bout, and summarily paid the value for it a spherical afterwards when Strickland finished him.
The most extraordinary exhibiting on the card took spot right ahead of the main event when Grant Dawson defeated Damir Ismagulov by unanimous determination. Dawson’s grappling was sensational, and all indications show he will be a genuine element in the lightweight division.
This previous weekend’s card could by no means evaluate up to 290, but it did aspect a couple legitimately compelling moments–with Dawson’s effectiveness at the prime of that listing.
Justin Barrasso can be reached at [email protected]. Stick to him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
