Dan Hooker continues to alternate wins and losses in the UFC.
The Aucklander dropped a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) to Yair Rodriguez (6-1) at UFC 192 in Houston today. The Herald scored the bout 29-28 to Rodriguez.
Hooker, who was coming off an impressive knockout victory over Hatsu Hioki (27-9-2) in May after losing to Maximo Blanco (12-6-1, 1 NC) via decision in September last year, wasn't able to find his striking range against the elusive Rodriguez.
The Mexican prospect is one of the most exciting fighters in the division and his quickness was too much for Hooker, while he also threw a wide array of strikes.
The pair spent the first round jockeying for position as they did their best to establish their range. Rodriguez said after the bout that he broke his foot in the opening frame, which limited his movement.