Paul Felder and Dan Hooker to headline UFC Auckland

An intense stare down and a promise of fireworks is what's in store for fight fans in February 2020.

Paul Felder and Dan Hooker promised to put on a show as they square off in the main event of UFC Auckland main event on Feb. 23 in Auckland, New Zealand. It will be a pivotal bout not only for Felder and Hooker, but also for the UFC lightweight division.

Paul Felder and Dan Hooker to headline UFC Auckland

Felder has an overall record of 17-4 and is the No. 6 ranked lightweight and has won his last five bouts at 155. His streak has an interruption with a single loss to Mike Perry at welterweight. He holds victories over Edson Barboza and James Vick this year, and would want to start 2020 by using Hooker to propel him to a strong position to call for a title shot. 

Hooker went down to featherweight to kick off his UFC career. He went back up to lightweight and has seen success where he has gone 6-1 in his seven fights since. His lone setback was a TKO loss to Edson Barboza but has then bounced back with victories over Al Iaquinta and Vick in his last two bouts.

Who will climb the rankings?

Sitting at No. 6 and 7 respectively, this fight will not give them a huge climb on the rankings but may have a bearing on the hierarchy for the lightweight belt.

Urgency may be on the side of Felder who is 34 years of age, and would want one big run in the latter half of his career. He recently signed a new multi-fight deal with the UFC but has been preparing for moving on with regular appearances as a color commentator on UFC broadcasts.

As for Hooker, he looks to make the most out of his prime. We'll see who comes out better indeed once February rolls.


Paul Felder or Dan Hooker? Who are you picking to win in this promising bout? Comment your picks down below.

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