Auckland — This Saturday, Feb. 22, it all goes down at the Spark Arena in Auckland New Zealand where Dan Hooker (19-8 MMA, 9-4 UFC) and Paul Felder (17-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) are set to square off in the main event for UFC on ESPN+ 26.
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, Felder caught up with the MMA media in Auckland to talk about his opponent and the upcoming main event on Saturday.
“I am excited for this one guys. Like I can’t overstate that enough, that getting this main event and being here in New Zealand and putting on a show on (Saturday) is all I plan on doing.”
During the build up to the fight, Hooker took offense to some of the jabs Felder threw his way over social media, so there is a little bit of bad blood going into Saturdays main event.
“Whether there’s good blood, bad blood, that’s all out the window on (Saturday) anyway,” Felder told the MMA media.
Before the media could ask Felder for a prediction, he beat them to it. Stating that he can’t predict what’s going to happen on Sunday, but he is predicting this to be the easiest weight cut of his career and assures the media that he’s ready as ever for Saturday’s contest.
“All I can predict is that I’m prepared, I’m ready, I’m in shape, I will make weight with the easiest time I’ve ever made weight for this fight.”
Although Felder will be fighting in enemy territory, he isn’t letting that effect him. Stating that he looks to turn all of the local spectators into potential fans of his when it’s all said and done.
“I don’t care who’s town it is. It’s gonna be my town too on (Saturday) night and this crowd is gonna – they’re gonna feel it.”
Felder, who is on a two-fight winstreak, winning five of his last six, will be looking to get one step closer to title contention by putting on an impressive performance against Hooker on Saturday.
Hooker, who will be fighting in his hometown, is also riding on a bit of a hot streak. Winning his last two fights, and winning five of his last six, he also looks to move one step closer to title contention with a big win against Felder.
