(Video) Dan Hooker knocks out kneebar boy wonder Claudio Puelles after a butt scooting spree

Dan Hooker had a lot to prove heading into UFC 281. Hooker’s career never really recovered from his ‘stand and bang approach’ he implemented in 2020.

Lack of striking discipline led to Hooker losing 4 out of 6 bouts in the last two years.

While Hooker can’t be begrudged is submission loss to Makhachev there’s a question if he can ever return to the elite level.

Hooker has been headstrong and has allowed himself to accumulate a lot of damage over the years.

Hooker was matched with kneebar specialist Claudio Puelles for UFC 281. Puelles is a bjj specialist and has won the last two via kneebar – against Clay Guida and Chris Gruetzemacher.

Hooker was clearly prepared heading into tonight – and even got uncomfortably close to getting submitted in round 1. Puelles had one trick in his bag, and he was determined to use it. He went on a guard pulling spree that culminated with a heel hook attempt in round 1.

Crowd was noticeably annoyed at Puelles approach of pulling guard and doing imanari rolls.

HOoker was reluctant to engage on the ground and referee stood up Puelles with quite a lot of pep in his step.

Puelles was visibly winded and at a loss for what to do in round 2. Hooker was landing solid body kicks the entire time and it was clear Puelles couldn’t really strike with Hooker.

Hooker delivered a funny speech when all was said and done and even went on to kiss Joe Rogan’s head.
“I’m six foot with a vicious hoe, and I buy down on this mouthpiece. Boy, I’ll make nails look sore. Now I’m coming for you. Any man walkin the face of this earth can get it.”
Hooker is clearly interested in being on the Perth UFC card in early 2023.

“Come and get it. ”