UFC On ESPN 4 Main Card Preview & Predictions
4. James Vick (13-3) Vs. Dan Hooker (17-8)
In what should be an exciting striking contest between two talented lightweights, Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker takes on James 'The Texecutioner' Vick.
It wasn't long ago that James Vick was riding a four-fight win streak and on the verge of earning a title shot. Since that time, he has lost consecutive bouts to Justin Gaethje and Paul Felder respectively. 'The Texecutioner' is an excellent boxer, who at 6'3", usually enjoys both a height and reach advantage over his opponents at 155.
'The Hangman' is hard-hitting lightweight who knocked out both Gilbert Burns and Jim Miller in 2018, before losing his last fight to Edison Barboza this past December. If the New Zeland native is able to pull off a victory here, we will likely have a number by his name heading into his next fight.
It seems like, in his recent bouts, fighters have been able to close the distance on Vick, despite his physical advantages. Moreover, 'The Texecutioner' will only have a 1-inch reach advantage in this particular fight. Vick looked way too hittable in his previous contest with Paul Felder, which doesn't bode well for him, going against a proven finisher like Hooker. Look for 'The Hangman' to close the distance and land a big shot that puts his opponent away.
The Pick: Hooker via first-round KO.