Dan Hooker rightfully has his head held high following a thrilling loss to Dustin Poirier in the UFC on ESPN 12 main event.
Hooker (20-9 MMA, 10-5 UFC) contributed to what will surely land on the short-list of “Fight of the Year” candidates on Saturday when he slugged it out with Poirier (26-6 MMA, 18-5 UFC) for five rounds. He lost a unanimous decision in the lightweight headliner at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, but proved he belongs in the upper tier of the division.
Both fighters were transported to a local hospital after a grueling five-rounds battle. Once released, Hooker offered his first post-fight comments on social media in the form of an Instagram post.
Quick message for the people that support me. Credit to Poirier better man on the night, no regrets, no excuses. Minor setbacks ain’t a major for me. #teamhangman #rideordieonly
“I got checked out the hospital,” Hooker said in his statement. “Everything’s all good. Just a couple stitches on the eye, but that’s the game we play. No worries. It’s just a small setback and I’ll be back.”
With a seemingly clean bill of health aside from the facial damage, Hooker now travels home to New Zealand, where he must quarantine for 14 days due to coronavirus pandemic travel protocols.
The defeat to Poirier snapped a three-fight winning streak for Hooker. Given his post-fight comments, though, it appears “The Hangman” is already focused on getting back on track.
Busted up Dan Hooker has 'no regrets, no excuses' after loss to Dustin Poirier