Picture Credit: Twitter
MMA fighter Dan Hooker eagerly stepped into the Octagon to square off against Jalin Turner at UFC 290 in Las Vegas. The matchup was initially scheduled for March but had to be postponed due to Hooker's hand injury. However, Hooker's fight with Turner didn't go by without further injury. Despite emerging victorious in a thrilling battle, improving his record to 23-12, Hooker found himself promptly taken to the hospital due to a broken arm. He shared an X-ray image on Instagram, jokingly downplaying the severity of the injury by stating, "It's just a scratch."
Many fans praised Hooker for finishing a fight with a fracture. Even celebrities chimed in to show support for the New Zealand fighter, among them was Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg who called Hooker a “savage”. Along with the image of his x-ray, Hooker also shared a photo with opponent Turner at the hospital, showing good sportsmanship. UFC enthusiasts had nothing but praise on social media for the injured fighter and the fight he had just completed.
Hooker seeks to regain spot among lightweight elite
The hangman has experienced a decline in his standing within the lightweight division, suffering four losses in his previous five fights, including one at featherweight. However, his recent three-round victory over Jalin Turner has propelled him closer to his ultimate goal to be a true contender at the elite level.
Known for his resilience, Hooker faced a significant challenge in the middle of the second round when Turner landed a powerful kick that resulted in a cut over his eye. Undeterred, Hooker managed to reverse the situation dramatically, taking Turner to the ground and securing a submission hold as the round came to a close, seemingly on the brink of a finish.
Despite his hair now red with blood, Hooker dominated the third round, displaying control and superiority over Turner, though he couldn't quite secure a definitive finish. The fight concluded with a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd in the packed arena.
