New Zealand's premier mixed martial artist Dan Hooker has made a major statement in the UFC's lightweight division.
'The Hangman' knocked out American Jim Miller in the first round of their three-round fight at UFC Fight Night in New Jersey.
Miller is a veteran of the division, having equalled the record for most fights in the UFC in his bout with the Kiwi.
The win marks Hooker's third-straight victory inside the octagon, all finishes - and given Miler's reputation, he should find himself inside the rankings the next time he enters the cage.
Post-fight, the 28-year-old was all about respect for his opponent.
"He is a legend of the sport, " Hooker told interviewer Paul Felder, a fellow UFC lightweight. "It was an honour to fight him inside of the Octagon."
Hooker started the fight on the front foot, pushing Miller back with teap kicks and his left jab.
Miller secured a takedown at the two-minute mark, but the Aucklander bounced right back to his feet, again backing the New Jersey native back towards the cage.
Moments later, Miller shot for a second takedown but Hooker landed a perfectly timed right knee to the jaw of the 34-year-old, knocking him out cold.
The referee stepped in seconds later and the fight was over.
The Kiwi wants a ranked opponent next, and looked no further than Felder when asked who he wants to scrap with.
"I just so happen to be standing next to a ranked opponent," Hooker said. "If you would do me the honour next, we can get Sean [Shelby, UFC matchmaker] to match it up."
Felder liked that idea.
"I've been waiting for someone to have the guts and stand here in front of me asking for a fight," he said in response.
"If Sean Shelby tells me to fight you, then yeah - you definitely deserve it."
Hooker has now won four of his last five inside the cage, improving his UFC record to six wins, three losses.
Newshub.
