Dan Hooker discusses potential fight with Conor McGregor, says both are keen on the matchup
Dan Hooker last competed in August when he defeated Mateusz Gamrot via split decision at UFC 305. While 'The Hangman' does not have an opponent for his next bout, he has publicly been in talks with Conor McGregor to clash in the latter's highly-anticipated return to the octagon. He recently revealed that both are interested in the potential matchup.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on his new self-titled show, the No. 6-ranked lightweight stated:
"It's a fight that makes a lot of sense for him and makes a lot of sense for me and we're, obviously, both keen on the fight. I don't know what's going on with him behind the scenes. I don't know what's going on with him and the UFC and their relationship so that's all I can say. Since that rumor started going around, people are like, 'don't wait, don't be another Michael Chandler'. That's not the plan. I'm fighting early next year."
Hooker continued:
"I told the UFC either January or March and it will be someone in the top five or Conor McGregor. That will be who I'll be stepping inside the cage with come January or March next year... My manager is in Saudi, he's with [Alexander Volkanovski]. He'll get to talk to Hunter [Campbell], he'll get to talk Sean [Shelby] so I'm sure by the end of this weekend or when he comes back from Saudi Arabia, I'll have my next fight penciled in. I'll have a name and a date by the end of this weekend."
Check out Dan Hooker's comments on facing Conor McGregor below:
Hooker and McGregor both teased a potential bout earlier this month, with 'The Notorious' claiming that they would clash on Feb. 1 in Saudi Arabia. The two shared the stage at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Spain. It is unclear if 'The Hangman' will face the former double champ in his highly-anticipated return.
Dan Hooker previously ruled out Conor McGregor clash in February
While Conor McGregor had hinted at facing Dan Hooker, the No.6-ranked lightweight recently ruled out that possibility. 'The Hangman' recently revealed that his wife is pregnant and their daughter is due to arrive in February.
Speaking to Helen Yee, Hooker shared:
"I'm good to go January or March. The misses is due February so no can go. I've got a little girl on the way. [Two girls]. Girl dad. The fighter's curse continues... I think you'd even turn down a big fight like McGregor for that one, but well, you're not missing that... No, there's no panties that are coming off in February."
Check out Dan Hooker's comments on his UFC return below (3:18):
McGregor has not competed in more than three years as his last appearance came when he broke his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021. While he initially appeared set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, he was forced to withdraw from the bout with a pinky toe injury. Despite teasing a clash with Hooker, 'The Notorious' remains without an opponent for his return.