UFC 290, a highly contemplated event with fans on the edge of their seats, delivered an action-packed night of fights at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. However, amidst the excitement, unfortunate injuries occurred, leaving two fighters in agony.
During the post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White revealed that Dan Hooker, the Kiwi MMA warrior, endured a broken wrist during his second-round clash with Jalin Turner.
It was a long-awaited moment for Hooker, who had previously suffered a hand injury that forced the cancellation of their earlier scheduled bout in March. Yet, fate had a cruel twist in store for him once again.
After an intense battle against Turner, Hooker emerged victorious, raising his record to an impressive 23-12. However, celebrations were cut short as he found himself rushed to the hospital, nursing a broken arm. Showing resilience, he shared an X-ray on Instagram, downplaying the severity of his injury, stating, “It’s just a scratch.”
🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/RRhfa6CVbt
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) July 9, 2023
In the co-main event, Brandon Moreno faced off against Alexandre Pantoja, only to suffer a broken hand in the opening round of their 25-minute championship fight. While Pantoja basked in the glory of another win, both fighters needed medical attention.
UFC 290 will forever be etched in the history books as an event filled with unforgettable moments, both thrilling and heartbreaking, showcasing the true nature of this incredible sport.
UFC 290: Quick recap of what all happened
In a thrilling main event at UFC 290, Alexander Volkanovski showcased his prowess by securing a third-round TKO win over Yair Rodriguez. The reigning champion successfully defended his featherweight title, which he has held since December 2019.
Meanwhile, a heated trilogy ended as Alexandre Pantoja dethroned Brandon Moreno in their third meeting. Pantoja emerged victorious once again, claiming the UFC Featherweight Championship.
The event also witnessed an impressive performance by Dricus du Plessis, who positioned himself as a legitimate contender for the UFC Middleweight Championship. Du Plessis secured a memorable TKO victory over former champion Robert Whittaker, setting the stage for a potential clash with the reigning titleholder, Israel Adesanya.
Other notable victories include Dan Hooker’s hard-fought win over Jalin Turner, earning a split decision in his favor. Bo Nickal, Robbie Lawler, Tatsuro Taira, Denise Gomes, Alonzo Menifield, Vitor Petrino, Cameron Saaiman, Jesus Aguilar, and Esteban Ribovics also delivered sensational performances, securing victories in their respective bouts.
