Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Dan Hooker after UFC on ESPN 12 loss?

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Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Dan Hooker after UFC on ESPN 12 loss?

Dan Hooker went through another war on Saturday in the UFC on ESPN 12 main event, but this time he did not come out victorious as he fell to Dustin Poirier.

Hooker went toe-to-toe with the former interim UFC champ for five rounds, but he had slightly less in the tank over the course of 25 minutes, and the result was a unanimous decision defeat at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

The fight had the potential to be Hooker’s breakthrough moment as a realistic title contender at 155 pounds, but instead he suffers a setback. He stock doesn’t drop much, though, and if anything Hooker proved he’s very much deserving to be considered among the top names. His road to the belt just happened to get a little longer.

Fortunately for Hooker, he remains in a good spot in the talent-rich lightweight division. There’s no shortage of fascinating matchups all across the top 10, but what makes most sense for him.

Charles Oliveira (29-8 MMA, 17-8 UFC), who sits just behind Hooker in the UFC’s official lightweight rankings, could serve as an option. But does he make most sense?

Watch the video above for thoughts on analysis on Hooker’s future following his loss at UFC on ESPN 12.

Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Dan Hooker after UFC on ESPN 12 loss?