Coach updates on health of ‘concussed’ Dan Hooker after tough loss to Edson Barboza

On Saturday night, in the co-main event of UFC Milwaukee, streaking UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker stepped into the cage with Brazilian knockout artist Edson Barboza in what was easily one of the biggest tests of his career thus far.

Hooker flaunted unbelievable toughness and heart in this contest, but was decisively walloped by his Brazilian opponent throughout, absorbing dozens of strikes to the legs, body and head, and ultimately stopped in the third round.

In the wake of this brutal loss, Dan Hooker was unsurprisingly transported to the hospital. Apparently, his hospital visit has been extended for at least another day.

“He was visibly concussed several times, I believe,” Hooker’s coach Eugene Bareman told ESPN. “We have a very good set of protocols within the gym to take care of him. It’s a ruthless game we play. Painful for me to watch that from a distance, but we have been here before many times, so I’m looking forward to the return.”

While Bareman believes Dan Hooker is concussed, there is some good news. Hooker did not suffer any broken bones despite Edson Barboza’s relentless assault.

Post-fight, UFC President Dana White applauded Dan Hooker’s toughness, but shared his belief that the fight should have been stopped sooner.

“He’s got nothin to be upset about. He showed a ton of toughness tonight, a ton of heart,” White told Fox Sports of Hooker (transcript via MMA Fighting). “The fight actually should have been stopped earlier than it was.”

”And Edson Barboza? Wow,” he added. “That kid came out tonight and made a statement. He’s nasty.”

This loss marks the end of a four-fight win streak for Dan Hooker. The Kiwi’s streak was composed of stoppage defeats of Gilbert Burns, Jim Miller, Marc Diakiese and Ross Pearson. He’s now 17-8 overall.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 12/16/2018.