Chase Hooper and Steve Garcia threw down in a featherweight fight on the preliminary card of UFC Vegas 63 on Saturday, and it turned out to be a rough night at the office for one combatant.
Hooper entered the night off a TKO victory over Felipe Colares that had landed him a Performance of the Night bonus back in May. Garcia for his part was looking to bounce back from a loss to Hayisaer Maheshate in June.
As always, Hooper’s game-plan was to get the fight to the ground, and early on he had no choice as he was rocked with a big right hand from Garcia.
Hooper couldn’t complete the takedown, however, and found himself back on the feet, only to get dropped again by another right hook. Hooper got back to his feet and Garcia completed his hat-trick of knockdowns. Three knockdowns within the space of 45 seconds.
Despite being wobbled, Hooper made it back to his feet, but it might’ve been better to stay down, as when he got to his feet again, he was dropped for a fourth and final time. Herb Dean had seen enough and waved off the first round domination.
Look out featherweights – @MeanMachine505 is 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄!! #UFCVegas63 pic.twitter.com/dcolUOD2vs
— UFC (@ufc) October 29, 2022
Garcia came into the bout as a +250 underdog, and completely spoiled the 23-year-old’s party.
Official Result: Steve Garcia def. Chase Hooper by TKO, Round 1, 1:32
