Benoit Saint-Denis delivered another dominant performance against Dan Hooker in the UFC 325 co-main event.
Things got off to a fast and furious start with Saint-Denis shooting for an early takedown and nearly finding himself in a guillotine choke. Scrambling back to his feet, Hooker landed with a nasty front kick to the body that got an immediate reaction from Saint-Denis.
Three minutes into the round, Saint-Denis scored with a judo throw, putting Hooker’s back on the mat and himself in side control. The ‘God of War’ went fishing for a kimura, but Hooker defended and scrambled his way up.
Saint-Denis got a little reckless while attempting to close the distance, but it ultimately paid off as he landed another takedown and busted open Hooker near his hairline.
Saint-Denis picked up right where he left off in the first, quickly getting Hooker down and into full mount. The ‘God of War’ locked in a tight arm-triangle choke, but couldn’t force Hooker to tap out. However, a series of elbows from Saint-Denis caused a nasty cut near Hooker’s eyelid. Still, Hooker was intelligently defending himself, which kept the referee from stepping in.
At least, until Saint-Denis unleashed an onslaught of strikes. Hooker covered up, but after repeated warnings from referee Herb Dean, he had no choice but to step in and stop the ‘Hangman’ from taking further punishment.
Official Result: Benoit Saint-Denis def. Dan Hooker via TKO (ground and pound) at 4:45 of Round 2.
