UFC: Kiwi Dan Hooker destroys Jim Miller with highlight-reel first round knockout

New Zealand's premier mixed martial artist Dan Hooker has made a major statement in the UFC's lightweight division.

'The Hangman' knocked out American Jim Miller in the first round of their three-round fight at UFC Fight Night in New Jersey.

Miller is a veteran of the division, having equalled the record for most fights in the UFC in his bout with the Kiwi.

The win marks Hooker's third-straight victory inside the octagon, all finishes - and given Miler's reputation, he should find himself inside the rankings the next time he enters the cage.

Post-fight, the 28-year-old was all about respect for his opponent.

"He is a legend of the sport, " Hooker told interviewer Paul Felder, a fellow UFC lightweight. "It was an honour to fight him inside of the Octagon."

UFC: Kiwi Dan Hooker destroys Jim Miller with highlight-reel first round knockout
Photo credit: Getty

Hooker started the fight on the front foot, pushing Miller back with teap kicks and his left jab.

Miller secured a takedown at the two-minute mark, but the Aucklander bounced right back to his feet, again backing the New Jersey native back towards the cage.

Moments later, Miller shot for a second takedown but Hooker landed a perfectly timed right knee to the jaw of the 34-year-old, knocking him out cold.

The referee stepped in seconds later and the fight was over.

The Kiwi wants a ranked opponent next, and looked no further than Felder when asked who he wants to scrap with.

"I just so happen to be standing next to a ranked opponent," Hooker said. "If you would do me the honour next, we can get Sean [Shelby, UFC matchmaker] to match it up."

Felder liked that idea.

"I've been waiting for someone to have the guts and stand here in front of me asking for a fight," he said in response.

"If Sean Shelby tells me to fight you, then yeah - you definitely deserve it."

Hooker has now won four of his last five inside the cage, improving his UFC record to six wins, three losses.

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