Kiwi Dan Hooker has overcome a broken arm to resurrect his UFC title hopes, with a bloody split-decision victory over American Jalin Turner at UFC 290 in Las Vegas.
The City Kickboxing fighter had slipped from the upper echelon of lightweight contention, with four defeats in five fights - one of them at featherweight - but his three-round result over Turner sees him take another step towards his goal.
True to his reputation for durability, Hooker found himself in big trouble midway through the second round, when his opponent caught him flush on the side of the head with a kick that opened up a cut over his eye.
Turner later connected with another high kick, but 'The Hangman' dramatically turned the tide, taking his rival to the ground, and actually finishing the round with a submission hold in place and the end seemingly near.
His new peroxide hairdo now soaked in blood, he then dominated the third round, without quite managing to finish Turner off. The fight ended to a standing ovation from the packed arena.
"He's a tough kid," admitted Hooker. "I wanted my hair pink from the fight and I got it.
"I'm just so appreciate of everyone's support, and everyone that's stuck by me and knew I would come out the other side. They say tough times don't last, Dan Hooker does."
Quizzed about a possible broken arm, suffered during the fight, he responded: "Just a scratch... we'll have to see."
Hooker barely raised his right arm throughout post-match celebrations and later tweeted an x-ray of the fracture just above the wrist.
Originally scheduled to face Turner in March, he had to withdraw from that appointment with a hand injury.
After he fell to 12th ranking in the division, this victory should catapult him back into the top 10, with some more time on the sidelines now inevitable.
