Dan Hooker and Paul Felder put on UFC Auckland Fight of the Night performance
Dan Hooker edged out Paul Felder by the narrowest of decisions at UFC on ESPN+ 26 on Saturday (Sunday local time) in Auckland, New Zealand.
The back-and-forth performance ended with both men being transported to a local hospital for treatment. The trauma of the battle was hopefully mitigated somewhat by Hooker and Felder earning the Fight of the Night award with each man nabbing a $50,000 bonus for his efforts.
After five tough rounds, Hooker stood a bit taller with the judges awarding him a split-decision with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48.
The Performance of the Night bonuses were awarded to Jimmy Crute and Priscila Cachoeira.
Crute looked as good as ever in the UFC Auckland. co-main event. He tossed Michał Oleksiejczuk to the canvas and secured a Kimura submission at 3:29 of the first round to net his $50,000 award.
Cachoeira opened the fight card with a blistering 40-second knockout of Shana Dobson to earn her bonus.
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UFC on ESPN+ 26: Felder vs. Hooker Performance Bonuses
Fight of the Night: Felder vs. Hooker
Performances of the Night: Jimmy Crute
Performances of the Night: Priscila Cachoeira
UFC on ESPN+ 26: Felder vs. Hooker Gate and Attendance
Gate: $1,239,625 (USD)
Attendance: 10,025 (sellout)
* highest gate and attendance for any sporting event at Spark Arena