Dan Hooker Calls Out Conor McGregor
Dan Hooker has called out Conor McGregor for a UFC fight.
Hooker is coming off a victory against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305, taking his record to three wins in a row. His UFC record stands at 14-8. He is currently ranked fifth in the lightweight rankings. Before beating Gamrot, Hooker secured victories over Jalin Turner and Claudio Puelles. McGregor is without a UFC fight after pulling out of the UFC 303 bout against Michael Chandler. The Irishman suffered a broken toe, meaning he has not been in the Octagon since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021.
Chandler has decided to move on, as he will rematch Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. While Chandler has indicated that he still wants to face McGregor, it will only extend the delay for that fight, meaning that Hooker could get an opportunity.
Hooker On McGregor
Dana White has confirmed that McGregor will fight early next year, leaving plenty of time for Hooker to train for a possible fight. McGregor has two fights left on his UFC deal. He must remain active, given his future aspirations of wanting to fight in BKFC. Hooker hoped that he would be the one to get that fight.
“He’s without a fight. I know Conor’s hungry to fight, and fight someone that he can get something from and makes a lot of sense. That’s why I feel like Chandler kind of sitting there and waiting, and not staying active, you kind of lose. What does he get out of beating Chandler? He knocks out Michael Chandler in the first round, Conor McGregor doesn’t even get in that top five off of that performance. We are looking at early next year. Jan, Feb. Early next year,” Hooker said
Nevertheless, that is unlikely to happen. McGregor’s two fights on his contract mean he will want the biggest fights out there. Aside from facing Chandler, there are possible fights against Nate Diaz. They faced off twice, with Diaz winning the first bout at UFC 196.
Will It Happen?
McGregor got his revenge at UFC 202. That has set the narrative for a third fight. Diaz has already indicated that he would be open to having the trilogy. But Diaz has ruled out a BKFC fight, meaning an MMA bout is the most likely option.
Poirier has also said that he wants one more fight before he considers retirement. Dustin has faced McGregor on three occasions and has a 2-1 record. He beat McGregor in their last fight, which ended in controversial circumstances, as McGregor broke his leg.
A McGregor win would be a perfect way to finish his career and secure a big payday. McGregor has major question marks over where he goes next. While Hooker is without a fight, a McGregor bout may be just too far. But if he continues racking up the wins, he will increase his chances of getting a title shot.
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