Dan Hooker earned the biggest win of his career on Saturday, defeating No. 6-ranked lightweight Al Iaquinta at UFC 243.
It was Hooker's first decision victory as a member of the UFC roster, but there was never any question who was in control during the fight.
Using his height and reach advantage perfectly, Hooker kept Iaquinta at a distance for much of the fight. Iaquinta tried to work the ground game early, but was unable to successfully bring the fight to the mat. With 40 seconds left in the second, Hooker connected with a right hand that sent Iaquinta to the canvas.
Desperate for a knockout, a bloodied Iaquinta attempted to pick up the pressure in the final round, but Hooker's stiff jab kept him in control at a safe distance.
The fight was scored 30-27, 30-27, and 30-26 for the No. 15-ranked Hooker, who moves to 20-8. Following the fight, Hooker immediately called out former interim champion Dustin Poirier, who
suffered a submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov last month at UFC 242.