The UFC Lightweight division is arguably the most talented division in all of MMA. Undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) currently ranks 2nd in the UFC’s pound for pound rankings behind Jon “Bones” Jones. He faces Tony Ferguson (25-3) in April who ranks 10th on that list. Then there’s the #1 draw in all of MMA, Conor McGregor (22-4) who ranks 9th in the UFC’s pound for pound rankings. The lightweight division boasts 3 of the 10 UFC pound for pound best fighters.
Paul “The Irish Dragon” Felder (17-4) and Dan “Hangman” Hooker (19-8) are nowhere to be found on that list. However they do rank 6th and 7th respectively within the UFC Lightweight division. The winner of the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 26 this Saturday will inch closer to the top of the lightweight rankings. Also the winner should expect to be rewarded with a high profile fight next. The loser most likely will take a step backwards in the rankings as will their UFC Lightweight title aspirations.
Felder 35, comes into the fight a winner of 5 of his last 6 bouts. In his last 3 fights he holds victories over Charles Oliveira, James Vick, and Edson Barboza. His only loss during that span was a closely contested loss to “Platinum” Mike Perry at welterweight. He fought Perry with a broken arm for most of that fight. Felder is also a rising star as a UFC commentator for many of their Fight Night cards. This Saturday however he’ll be looking to trade in his microphone for a much needed victory.
Hooker 30, will be headlining in his home city of Auckland, New Zealand. He comes into the fight with Felder a winner of 6 of his last 7 bouts, all in the lightweight division. He holds wins over Gilbert Burns, James Vick, and Al Iaquinta in his last 3 victories. Hooker started his UFC career fighting at featherweight with mixed results. He went 3-3 at featherweight before making the decision to move up to lightweight where he’s enjoyed much better success.
The winner of Saturday’s main event officially becomes a title contender in the lightweight division. Along with a victory most likely comes a top 5 ranked lightweight in their next fight. Current lightweights ranked above Felder and Hooker include Dustin Porier, Justin Gaethje, and one Conor McGregor. It’s conceivable that the winner Saturday night could face one of those high profile lightweights in his next fight. The loser will slip down the rankings and almost certainly fight someone ranked below them in their next bout. The stakes are high in the UFC Lightweight division this Saturday in New Zealand.
Anthony Sotelo for MMAInformed