Lance Gibson Jr. Scores First-Round Finish Over Chase Hooper at UFC Seattle Prelims

Lance Gibson Jr. stopped Chase Hooper in the first round during the UFC Seattle prelims. Gibson used grappling early and then finished the fight with strikes in the clinch.

How the fight ended

The fight took place on the UFC Seattle prelims card in Seattle. Gibson controlled the early action with strong grappling. Hooper, once considered a top prospect, had trouble with Gibson’s pressure on the mat.

In the clinch, Gibson landed a left hand that visibly wobbled Hooper. Gibson then threw two high kicks and followed with two knees that dropped Hooper to the canvas. The referee stepped in and waved off the fight, giving Gibson the first-round finish.

What this win means

With this victory, Gibson Jr. earned his first UFC win. He had lost his UFC debut in December at UFC Vegas 112 to King Green. The win in Seattle marks a big rebound in his second UFC appearance.

The result also gave Gibson and his father, Lance Gibson Sr., a unique place in UFC history. They became the first father-and-son pair to each compete in the UFC and to each record at least one UFC win.

For Chase Hooper, the loss is a setback. He had been riding a three-fight win streak earlier, but this defeat is his second loss in a row. Hooper will need to regroup after the stoppage loss in the first round.

Fight details and recent form

Gibson mixed grappling and striking well in this fight. He used his wrestling to pressure Hooper early and then shifted to powerful strikes when they were clinched. The left hand and the follow-up knees were the decisive blows.

Hooper showed his usual heart and tried to work from the clinch, but he was unable to recover after the knees that put him down.

This win raises Gibson Jr.’s profile in the featherweight division and gives him momentum going forward. Hooper will likely return to the gym to fix the things that cost him in Seattle. Both fighters now move on from an intense and decisive finish on the preliminary card.