Kiwi lightweight Dan Hooker lifted the roof off Spark Arena with a razor-close split decision win over American Paul Felder in the main event of UFC Auckland on Sunday.
In a back and forth affair, 'The Hangman' did the lion's share of the damage through five rounds against the notoriously aggressive Felder to see his hand raised and continue his charge up the lightweight rankings.
The Aucklander was overcome with emotion when Bruce Buffer announced the decision, immediately dropping to his knees, as he soaked in win that propels him into the title contention picture.
"I’ll defend this land, no matter what the cost," Hooker said post-fight.
"It was an honour (to fight Paul Felder). He’s a tough son of a gun. I enjoyed myself."
It put the finishing touch on a momentous day for New Zealand MMA, after earlier wins to City Kickboxing teammates Brad Riddell and Kai Kara-France.
An equally emotional Felder took to the microphone to confirm he'd be stepping away from the sport for good, laying his gloves in the centre of the Octagon in MMA's traditional retirement ritual.
The bout was also awarded 'Fight of the Night', meaning both Hooker and Felder will take home an additional $US50,000. Both fighters were transported immediately to hospital and weren't available for any further post-fight comment.
Now the matter of just another win or an injury withdrawal from a shot at the championship, Hooker made his next target clear.
"I want Justin Gaethje next. Let’s go."
A UFC spokesperson later confirmed that they had the highest gate and attendance for any sporting event at Spark Arena, further confirmation of the sport's boom in New Zealand.
As the bout opened, Hooker immediately let loose with his kicks, looking to establish his reach advantage. Both fighters landed with some heavy counter shots, and a flush right hand from Hooker caused some heavy swelling in Felder's right eye.
Hooker looked to capitalise on that damage in the second, landing his jab regularly and throwing up left high kicks to take advantage of Felder's impaired vision.
But the American remained active and had the best moment of the round when he momentarily wobbled Hooker's knees, after a combo that began with a stinging knee.
The damage on Felder's face wore heavy in the third, but that had effect on his output on the feet. He threw plenty of volume and landed consistently, though Hooker responded with counter shots that found their mark.
Hooker came into the fourth wearing some damage of his own, and Felder continued to press the pace, putting together combinations and tagging Hooker with regularity to claim his most dominant round of the contest.
Heading into a potentially decisive fifth round, the local support rose to lift its hero and Hooker responded, digging deep to score what was likely the match-sealing takedown in the waning moments of the bout.
