UFC on ESPN 12: Dustin Poirier beats Dan Hooker in “Fight of the Year” candidate

UFC on ESPN 12 delivered all the action and results that the event promised.

Dustin Poirier of Louisiana and New Zealand’s Dan Hooker clashed in an exciting lightweight bout that would surely produce a new contender. Poirier hadn’t competed since his 2019 submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov, while Hooker was coming off of the biggest win of his career – A decision victory over Paul Felder.

The two set a harrowing pace that was filled to the brim with violence. The two used a combination of strikes while Poirier attacked with a variety of submissions whenever on the ground. It seemed to be even heading into the fifth and final round, and Poirier appeared to be the fresher fighter. That was the case, as Poirier won the fifth round, edging out the Kiwi.

“I trusted in my team and my skill and I pulled another one out,” Poirier said. “I feel like I had another few rounds in me.”

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THe co-main event showcased an interesting welterweight bout between Mike Perry and Mickey Gall. One of the biggest talking points of the fight was the fact that Perry would only have his girlfriend Latory Gonzalez in his corner. Despite the unconventional set up, things turned out well for Perry, who continued fro ma close first round to dominate the rest of the fight.

Heavyweight Maurice Greene also spoiled the divisional debut of Gian Villante, winning via third round submission, and Takashi Sato TKO’d Jason Witt in the very first round. The ful results for UFC on ESPN 12 can be found below.

UFC on ESPN 12 full results

• Dustin Poirier def. Dan Hooker via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-46)
• Mike Perry def. Mickey Gall via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Maurice Greene def. Gian Villante via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 3:44
• Brendan Allen def. Kyle Daukaus via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
• Takashi Sato def. Jason Witt via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:48
• Julian Erosa def. Sean Woodson via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 3, 2:44
• Khama Worthy def. Luis Pena via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 2:53
• Tanner Boser def. Philipe Lins via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:41
• Kay Hansen def. Jinh Yu Frey via submission (armbar) – Round 3, 2:26
• Youssef Zalal def. Jordan Griffin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bonuses

• Fight of the Night: Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker
• Performance of the Night: Julian Erosa and Kay Hansen