New Zealand mixed martial arts combatant Dan Hooker scored a decisive knockout victory over Jim Miller when the two met in a UFC bout in the United States.
Hooker did not need much time, taking Miller out with his right knee just past the three-minute mark of the first round.
Hooker is known as “The Hangman,” mainly we believe, because that region of sports comprised of wrestling, boxing and mixed martial arts has an affinity for alliterative nicknames.
We are reasonably certain that Hooker never hanged anyone, although we would think that when it comes to punching, he would be the owner of a vicious hook.
Hooker is climbing the UFC ranks in the lightweight division and at the age of 24, is just coming into his prime, whereas his 34-old-opponent would seem to be in his twilight.
“All respect to Jim Miller. He’s a legend in this sport,” Hooker said to applause from the home crowd in New Jersey.
As is often the case, flush with victory, Hooker took a moment to challenge a new opponent, Paul Felder, who occupies the same weight class, but may be finding a sport behind the microphone more comfortable, as he served as a guest announcer for the event.
Jim Miller has had a solid, if unspectacular career, but has never risen to the degree to fight for a title.
In the week prior to the fight, Hooker told the media, “If I get past Jim Miller in impressive fashion, I definitely feel that I’ll be very deserving of a top-15, if not a top-10 opponent.”
Miller’s decline is fairly obvious, so Hooker’s beating of him might not produce a top fight. Miller had three losses in his last three fights, so a fourth at the hands (and knee) of the Kiwi might not elevate Hooker to the extent Hooker feels he deserves.