LAS VEGAS – Dan Hooker is a happy man. He’s found his sweet spot as a 155-pounder, and he has a fight on one of the biggest cards of the year, thanks to the pro-active approach of his opponent. The New Zealander Hooker (16-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) kicked off his UFC career as a featherweight, alternating wins and losses in his first six bouts. But after making the move up to lightweight, Hooker has gone on a tear, racking up a hat-trick of stoppage wins over Ross Pearson, Marc Diakiese and Jim Miller. And the 28-year-old from Auckland says moving up 10 pounds has proved a game-changer for his career and has meant he’s stepped into the cage at his best, both physically and mentally. “If I was down there (at 145) I’d be sat down there (on his stool) looking like a frickin’ scarecrow,” Hooker said.
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Why UFC 226′s Dan Hooker is grateful to Gilbert Burns – but with limits – MMA Junkie