Dan Hooker drops big update about his UFC return, rules out Conor McGregor fight in February: "No panties are coming off in February"
Dan Hooker has not competed since August when he defeated Mateusz Gamrot via split decision at UFC 305 to move into the top five of the lightweight rankings. While 'The Hangman' does not have an opponent for his next bout, he has been mentioned as a potential candidate to face Conor McGregor in his highly-anticipated return to the octagon.
Despite discussing a potential bout with 'The Notorious' at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Spain, the No. 5-ranked lightweight recently revealed that the pair will not clash in February. Speaking to Helen Yee, Hooker stated:
"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."
When Yee commended him for taking the month off to be there for his wife, he responded:
"Oh, you have to, mate, you have to. You have to. 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):
Hooker added that he is unsure if the UFC will go through with a proposed one-night, four-fighter tournament for the BMF title. He did note, however, that he believes if the promotion does have a one-night tournament, the belt would be on the line.
Conor McGregor previously hinted at a Dan Hooker clash in February
Conor McGregor has not competed in more than three years as his last appearance in the octagon came when he broke his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021. 'The Notorious' appeared set for his highly-anticipated return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 earlier this year, however, a pinky toe injury forced him to withdraw from the bout.
'Iron' has since been booked to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 next month, leaving the former double champ without an opponent. He recently claimed that he will face Dan Hooker in February. Speaking to Donagh Corby of Bloody Elbow following the latest BKFC event, McGregor was asked about his return. He responded:
"February 1st. Saudi Arabia... Dan Hooker."
Check out Conor McGregor's comments on facing Dan Hooker below:
While Hooker previously showed interest in a February clash, the timeline does not fit with his wife's due date. It is unclear if McGregor and 'The Hangman' will work to find a different date or if both will move on to different opponents.