The New Zealand-born UFC fighter Dan Hooker, now based in Australia, is challenging Conor McGregor to a fight. Hooker, known as “The Hangman,” believes it’s more advantageous for “The Notorious” to face him rather than Michael Chandler. He argues that their match should be the Irishman’s first step towards another shot at a world title.
Hooker called out the former UFC champion after his recent win
It might be recalled that after scoring a victory against Mateusz Gamrot at the UFC 305 event, Hooker called out McGregor. During an interview with the Submission Radio, Hooker reiterated his stand, insisting that he should face McGregor. “The Hangman” stated that Chandler suffered a loss in his last fight and isn’t in the top five now. Meanwhile, he himself is on a three-fight winning streak and currently ranks #5 in the lightweight division.
“If Conor really wants to work his way back to a world title, fighting me makes a lot of sense,” said Hooker. Also, he mentioned his next fight may be an eliminator, which could be against Charles Oliveira, who was recently submitted by Arman Tsarukyan.
The Hangman has made a great comeback
Since his defeats to Islam Makhachev and Arnold Allen, Hooker has come back strongly, and his best win so far has been his triumph over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305.
After the postponement of UFC 303, the UFC has been trying to book McGregor against Michael Chandler. However, according to UFC President Dana White, McGregor could be far from competing by the middle of next year, that is 2025.
McGregor is trying to please White for a new date this year
The headliner between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor at UFC 303 was canceled after “Mystic Mac” pulled out of the fight due to his foot injury. Since then, “Iron” has just been waiting for a new date to be finalized. He is optimistic that the fight will happen by December this year, but White has openly claimed that Conor McGregor will not fight this year.
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On the other hand, McGregor has been trying to convince the UFC CEO to finalize a date for his match against Chandler. When Dana announced that the Irishman would not be fighting this year, McGregor instantly took to social media and expressed his disappointment. “Ah Dana, December is the date! Bring the calendar year home with a winning event! Come on now, What’s this?,” wrote McGregor on X.
