Daniel Hooker has been granted his wish of a top tier opponent as he is set to face sixth-rankedEdson Barboza at UFC Milwaukee on Dec. 15.
The New Zealand Herald first reported the news Wednesday after confirming the lightweight clash with the UFC.
Barboza (19-6-0) is coming off two one-sided losses. Kevin Lee finished him in the fifth round of their main event clash at UFC Atlantic City. He went into the New Jersey bout coming off a loss toKhabib Nurmagomedov, who dominated him over five rounds in the co-main event of UFC 219.
The Brazilian is known for his dynamic kicking arsenal, best displayed in his wheel-kick knockoutof Terry Etim at UFC 142. He boasts notable wins over former UFC lightweight champion,Anthony Pettis, and former title challenger, Gilbert Melendez.
“Junior” has amassed a record of 13-6 since signing for the promotion in 2010.
Hooker (17-7-0) has been in sensational form since moving to lightweight, claiming four stoppage wins in as many outings in the bracket. The Kiwi almost seemed disappointed with his first-round knockout of Gilbert Burns at UFC 226, insisting that he wanted more of a challenge in his post-fight scrum.
“The Hangman” went 3-3 as a UFC featherweight before taking the advice of City Kickboxing head coach, Eugene Bareman, and moving up to lightweight. He debuted in the weight class with a vicious knee KO of Ross Pearson, followed by a submission win over highly touted Brit, Marc Diakiese. Just before he met Burns, Hooker claimed a first-round knockout over veteran campaigner Jim Miller.
