Paul Felder vs. Dan Hooker Headlines UFC Fight Night Auckland In February

Lightweight continues to develop with this high-stakes matchup in New Zealand.

A striking showcase between surging lightweight contenders will headline the UFC's return to New Zealand in the opening quarter of 2020, as Roufusport mainstay Paul 'The Irish Dragon' Felder travels to enemy territory as he meets Kiwi, Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker in the main event of UFC Fight Night Auckland on February 23rd.

Both Felder and Hooker extended their win streaks to two fights recently, with Felder taking a comfortable unanimous decision against James Vick before a close split decision rematch win against Edson Barboza in September. Auckland born Hooker, finished the aforementioned Vick in his meeting with the now welterweight, and dominated Serra-Longo staple, Al Iaquinta at UFC 243.

Pennsylvania native Felder, has managed five straight victories at 155-pounds, as he looks to earn his first title challenge under the promotion banner. Hooker has himself enjoyed impressive success since his move back to lightweight, finishing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player Gilbert 'Durinho' Burns, and division veterans, Jim Miller and Ross Pearson of note. With a combined twenty finishes via strikes, Felder and Hooker, who occupy the #6 and #7 rank respectively may find themselves a single victory away from significant title contention toward the latter stages of the year.

UFC Fight Night Auckland takes place on February 23rd. from the Spark Arena. Along with the lightweight curtain-closer, we've got 155-pound action between Magomed Mustafaev and Brad Riddell. At welterweight, Jake Matthews takes on Emil Weber Meek, and at light heavyweight, Tyson Pedro returns to the Octagon as he meets Vinicius Moreira. In a heavyweight match, Ben Sosoli welcomes Marcos Rogerio de Lima to New Zealand.

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