The MMA Daily

The Co-Main event of the evening comes in the Featherweight division, as Arnold “Almighty” Allen takes on Dan “The Hangman” Hooker. Since debuting in 2015, Allen has astonishingly won all eight of his fights inside the octagon. Checking in at 7th in the Featherweight division, Allen is closing in on a number one contender’s fight. Meanwhile, Hooker is dropping back down to Featherweight. Having gone 1-3 in his last four fights, Hooker will look to rejuvenate his career back where he started it in the UFC.

As for a prediction, I have Hooker winning. While I expect this fight to be close, and I do think that Allen is underrated, this will be his stiffest test to date. Hooker is a well rounded fighter, who has exceptional kickboxing. Standing 4 inches taller, with a five inch reach advantage, Allen will need to get inside to get off his offense. Considering he likes to pressure and isn’t afraid to brawl, I don’t see that being a problem. However, Hooker does a good job keeping distance and using his length. Landing nearly five significant strikes a minute, Hooker brings forth top notch output. Something in which I believe will be a factor in swaying this fight towards him. That and his takedown defense, which is solid regardless of what Makhachev did to him. In the end, while I do believe this with be competitive, Hooker’s takedown defense, output and length will aid him to a hard fought decision victory.