UFC 319 finally kicked off in style, living up to its reputation as one of the most anticipated fight nights of the year. From the outset, the United Center was electric as preliminary bouts set the tone, delivering both surprises and confirmations that ultimately paved the way for the evening’s main card. In the midst of the action, rising 25-year-old lightweight contender Chase Hooper looked to extend his five-fight win streak when he faced seasoned veteran Alexander Hernandez.
However, despite ‘The Dream’s energy and momentum, ‘The Great Ape’s experience proved decisive. The Washington native scored a knockout at 4:58 of the first round, bringing Hooper’s streak to a halt and dealing a major blow to the young fighter’s trajectory.
Hooper, often mistaken by fans and fighters alike for UFC veteran Ben Askren’s son due to their similar fighting styles and resumes, nevertheless refused to let the defeat define him, just like his supposed “father,” Ben Askren. As the card progressed, he broke his silence on X, acknowledging the loss while promising to come back stronger.
“Well, not the best night at the office… camp went well, weight cut was smooth, felt great in the warmup but it didn’t come together in the 15 minutes that mattered. Got complacent at the end of the round and caught a heater. No excuses. Back to real life tomorrow and back to work,” Chase Hooper wrote.
Well, not the best night at the office… camp went well, weight cut was smooth, felt great in the warmup but it didn’t come together in the 15 minutes that mattered. Got complacent at the end of the round and caught a heater. No excuses. Back to real life tomorrow and back to…
— Chase Hooper (@chase_hooper) August 17, 2025
(This is a developing story.)
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