A bout between former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier and New Zealand’s Dan Hooker is being targeted for June 27.
Per Brazilian outlet Combate, a bout between top lightweight contenders Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker is being targeted for a card on June 27. The bout is a re-booking of their previously scheduled contest on May 16 in San Diego before the coronavirus pandemic led to the postponement of all live sporting events.
A former interim lightweight champion, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier is looking to bounce back following his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov last September in their title unification bout. Prior to the bout, Poirier had put together the most impressive run of his UFC career with victories over former champion Eddie Alvarez, current interim champion Justin Gaethje, and longtime featherweight champion Max Holloway. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Poirier has been active on social media and even expressed interest in stepping in for Nurmagomedov against Tony Ferguson last month.
Dan “The Hangman” Hooker is looking to break into the upper-echelon of the lightweight division after putting together an impressive win streak of his own. A veteran of the Octagon since 2014, Hooker is 7-1 in his past eight fights and is on a three fight win streak with victories over James Vick, Al Iaquinta, and Paul Felder. The bout with Felder was his first UFC main event and was an exciting five round contest that is on the short list for Fight of the Year.
UFC President Dana White has expressed his hope for a summer return for reigning champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, with the title unification fight with Justin Gaethje being the top priority. Should Gaethje emerge victorious, a Poirier victory over Hooker could build his case for a rematch with Gaethje with UFC gold on the line. A victory for Hooker would elevate him to the elite of the division where fights against the likes of Tony Ferguson and others would put him in line for a title shot of his own.
It is unknown whether the UFC will attempt to bring Hooker into the United States to fight at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas or if the bout could be one of the first to take place on “Fight Island” if travel restrictions prevent the New Zealander from entering the country.
