The UFC makes an emphatic return to Texas on December 2 at the Moody Center in Austin. One of the final fight night cards of the year, this one has all the markings of an epic banger. As for the focus of this one, we’re taking a look at the co-main event, Dan Hooker vs Bobby Green.
For the most part, the event is being headlined by Beneil Dariush and Arman Tsarukyan. While it makes for an enticing matchup, fans will be pleased to know that it is one of many good fights on the card. For UFC Austin, fans will be treated to a PPV event-level card, making it a truly special one.
Your #UFCAustin card is official for Dec 2!
👊 Beneil Dariush vs Arman Tsarukyan
🔥 Dan Hooker vs Bobby Green
💥 Rob Font vs Deiveson Figueiredo…AND MORE!! pic.twitter.com/RmXO5Js3Ov
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 31, 2023
With the headliner featuring top-level lightweights, it is a fight many have been yearning for. However, the non-title, 5-round co-main has seemingly become the people’s main event. Two absolute brawlers and OG’s of the game, both fighters bring their all every single time they step inside the Octagon.
Previously, Dan Hooker secured a big win over Jalin Turner at UFC 290. On the other hand, Bobby Green absolutely battered Grant Dawson in their UFC Vegas 80 headliner. Thus, with both men on red-hot form and coming off big wins, let’s check out their head-to-head stats coming into this matchup.
Dan Hooker vs. Bobby Green stats
Stats | Dan Hooker | Bobby Green |
---|---|---|
Wins | 23 | 31 |
Losses | 12 | 14 |
Height | 6 ft | 5 ft 8 in |
Division | Lightweight | Lightweight |
Reach | 75 in | 70 in |
Age | 33 | 37 |
UFC Austin: Dan Hooker vs. Bobby Green prediction
As many have expected, ‘The Hangman’ comes in as a favorite for this one. Despite a period of uncertainty, Hooker has found his mojo again in the lightweight division. After being dispatched by Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, the Aussie decided to go down to 145. Unfortunately, his encounter with Arnold Allen did not go too well, resulting in a KO loss in the very first round.
Since then, Hooker has made a solid turnaround with back-to-back wins against Claudio Puelles and Jalin Turner. Thus, there is a feel-good energy about the Aussie as he looks renewed and ready for his next challenge. As for ‘King’ Bobby, the 37-year-old fighter continues to get better with age. Following disappointing losses to Islam Makhachev and Drew Dober, Bobby suffered yet another setback with his no-contest against Jared Gordon.
However, he has since then recalibrated securing back-to-back wins against Tony Ferguson and Grant Dawson. Although many may be expecting the Aussie to get the better of the older Californian native, they might be in for a surprise.
As mentioned previously, the fight is a five-rounder and with two durable guys like Hooker and Green, expect this one to be a bloodbath. Whilst both fighters have a puncher’s chance to take this one, it will all come down to who can dish out more and take less damage.
Since Dan has a clear height and reach advantage, Bobby has to close the distance and get inside. At the same time, Hooker is arguably the harder hitter, having a higher KO/TKO rate than Green. All things considered, both men will come in with their set gameplans, but expect it to go out the window, once the fight starts. Thus, whatever happens, fans are in for a treat with this one.