UFC 219's Dan Hooker: Marc Diakiese's flashy style is just 'smoke and mirrors'

LAS VEGAS – Dan Hooker knows Marc Diakiese’s flashy style looks good to spectators, but when breaking down his UFC 219 opponent from a technical level, he said he sees right through it.

Diakiese (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has proven willing to throw highlight-friendly strikes at a high rate in his career. Hooker (14-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC) considers himself something of a striker, as well, and when scouting the matchup, he views “Bonecrusher” as less effective than he seems.

“He throws those kicks, but it’s like smoke and mirrors,” Hooker told MMAjunkie. “It’s to entertain. He doesn’t come too much with those kicks, so he doesn’t close the distance or set them up very well. He just throws them and the crowd goes, ‘Ooh.’ But he does have some very effective striking techniques. Smoke and mirrors, but he does have some solid aspects to his striking, wrestling and grappling game. He’s very well rounded.”

UFC 219 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Hooker vs. Diakiese airs on the pay-per-view main card following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Hooker, who is coming off a knockout of Ross Pearson at UFC Fight Night 110 in June, said he has no problem with his UFC 219 booking despite the fact Diakiese is coming off a loss. The Brit called out Hooker for the scrap, and “Hangman” said that just like any name offered, he was on board.

“I don’t really take any of that kind of stuff (wins and losses) into account,” Hooker said. “I’ve never even questioned when I’ve got a name sent through from (UFC matchmaker) Sean (Shelby). It’s kind of become cliche to say, ‘I’ll fight anyone.’ But then they really get the offer, and they pick and choose and they muck around. As soon as I get a name, I don’t even look at the name.”

The lead-up to the fight has been interesting, with Diakiese attempting to provoke Hooker with some serious accusations. He claims to have a mole in Hooker’s camp, who has been feeding him information on strategies, but Hooker brushed off that notion.

Hooker said he has no problem engaging in some pre-fight animosity if it’s warranted. In this case, however, he’s not sold on Diakiese’s comments.

“That’s a complete smoke bomb,” Hooker said. “My team is solid. The people around me – I don’t know. I’m not going to create something that’s not there. I’m not familiar with him; I don’t know him. I haven’t even passed him in a hallway. I don’t know him from anyone else. If I got drama with someone I don’t mind acknowledging that and doing something about it. But I’m not going to create something. It’s not in my personality to do anything fake.”

After moving back up to the lightweight division from featherweight for his win over Pearson earlier this year, Hooker said he feels everything is coming together perfectly in his career. The 27-year-old has alternated wins and losses over his seven-fight UFC tenure, and he hopes UFC 219 marks his chance to get on a winning streak for the first time.

“I’ve been around this sport a decade, so I’ve spent too much time in this sport to take anything for granted,” Hooker said. “For wins and getting ahead of yourself. That’s why I love this sport, and that’s why I hate this sport, because anything can happen. Just because you’re the best guy doesn’t mean that you’re going to win on the night. You have to go in there and you have to win the fight. Nothing is handed or given to anyone. You have to go out there, and you have to take it.”

For more on UFC 219, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.