Conor McGregor in line for title shot with win over Michael Chandler, claims Dan Hooker
Earlier this year, it was announced that Conor McGregor would be making his return to the octagon in a blockbuster clash against Michael Chandler, and Dan Hooker believes the Irishman chose his opponent perfectly.
'The Hangman' is an all-action lightweight who is capable of dragging the best of competitors through the wringer and into a dog fight, as seen in his war with Dustin Poirier. The New Zealander was the man to welcome 'Iron' into the UFC, though the bout didn't go his way and he was stopped midway through the first round.
While discussing the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler matchup, Dan Hooker insisted that 'The Notorious' has a golden opportunity in front of him that will likely gift him a title shot should he come away victorious:
"That's the best fight for Conor. That's the biggest name that puts him one fight off a title shot. I feel like the next best fight in lightweight is probably me for Conor, but it's far more dangerous than Chandler. I feel like beating me still doesn't put you in line for a title shot. I feel like [if] he beats Chandler, regardless of the situation, knockout, decision, submission, he gets a title shot off of that and that's truly what Conor's after."
While he will most likely be fighting closer to the end of the year, McGregor has stated his interest in competing twice if possible, but he will have to bypass the heavy-hitting Michael Chandler with ease to be able to do so.
Check out what Dan Hooker had to say about The Ultimate Fighter 31 coaches in the video below.
Conor McGregor title shot: Will 'The Notorious' fight for UFC gold with a win over Michael Chandler?
While it remains to be seen whether Conor McGregor will be offered a title shot if he manages to claim a huge win over Michael Chandler later this year, there is certainly some interest in the thought.
During a recent interview, the former two-division UFC champion announced that him beating Chandler and then fighting whoever holds gold between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman at welterweight is not out of the realms of possibility.
Not only did the Dublin native state his interest, but both Edwards and Usman welcomed the challenge ahead of their monumental trilogy fight at UFC 286 on March 18.