Not surprisingly, Dan Hooker and Paul Felder both were transported an area hospital following the UFC on ESPN+ 26 main event. And they did so together.
After producing a grueling five-round battle in the lightweight headliner that ended with Hooker (20-8 MMA, 10-4 UFC) winning a split decision over Felder (17-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC), both men were in much need of being medically examined further. Before undergoing all their tests, though, the “Fight of the Night” winners posed for a classic hospital photo.
Here’s video of the two fighters leaving Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.
Via Instagram:
Via Instagram:
There was no shortage of damage distributed in the 25-minute matchup. Felder had his eye compromised and nearly shut within the first seven minutes of the fight, while Hooker seemed to be dealing with a jaw issue in the fourth and fifth rounds.
Both men pushed through the pain, though, and made it to the final bell, where one judge saw it for Felder and two scored it for Hooker.
The build to the fight was filled with much tension, but after slugging it out in a memorable bout and taking photos together, it appears there’s nothing but respect between Hooker and Felder.
