After a slow start to the fight, Dan Hooker only needed 42 seconds in the third round to submit Marc Diakiese at UFC 219.
Dan Hooker has alternated wins and losses in his 4-3 UFC career but seemed to be ready to take the next step in his last fight. Hooker moved up to lightweight and the decision paid off as he knocked out Ross Pearson with a beautifully timed knee.
Marc Diakiese entered the UFC at 9-0 and had plenty of hype surrounding him. “The Bonecrusher” met expectations with a 3-0 start to his Octagon career, including two finishes. The Englishman is looking to bounce back from a split decision loss to Drakkar Klose.
Both fighters started cautiously, with the first strike being thrown 20 seconds in. Dan Hooker threw a kick that was caught, but nothing came of it. Hooker continued to work his push kicks. 90 seconds in, Diakiese unleashed a jumping spin kick that came up short. The crowd became restless at the lack of action on the feet.
Low-leg sidekicks were the strike of choice for Diakiese early in the first. Hooker then landed a stiff jab, still there was little offense to speak of in this round. Diakiese caught two kicks from Hooker and landed a left off of one of them. Diakiese forced a clinch exchange but was taken down himself to end the first round.
More kicks landed for Dan Hooker to start the second round, then a looping left hand landed for Diakiese. Hooker seemed to be just outside of Diakiese’s range. Diakiese timed his next effort well and landed a left, but then ate a jab and shot for a takedown, which Hooker turned into a clinch. Hooker pushed for a takedown but Diakiese defended nicely. A trio of leg kicks landed for Diakiese but Hooker pushed forward and jabbed into a takedown against the cage.
Dan Hooker worked to the back of Diakiese and secured a body triangle. Hooker was unable to secure a choke or put forth a good attempt, and Diakiese spun out of it into guard to end the round.
Hooker and Diakiese exchanged strikes to start the final round, until Diakiese shot for a takedown. Hooker defended beautifully and locked in a guillotine choke forcing a quick tap from Diakiese.
Dan Hooker def. Marc Diakiese by Submission (Guillotine Choke) in Round 3 (0:42)
