Michael Chandler probably has the most to lose if he does not fight Conor McGregor. ‘Iron’ has been sitting out since November 2022 in the hopes of landing the infamous ‘Red Panty Night.’ Then, at UFC 305, Dan Hooker decided to throw his hat in the ring for a shot at McGregor. How does this fare for McGregor’s return matchup? Why did Hooker suddenly decide to spoil the party for Chandler?

Dan Hooker, known for his playful antics, is currently on a three-fight winning streak, with his latest victory at UFC 305. Recently, he appeared on the popular YouTube MMA channel TheMacLife for an interview, where he discussed his next UFC move while casually enjoying a beer. During the conversation, the host expressed disappointment in Hooker’s callout of Conor McGregor.

Hooker clarified his statement, saying, “I didn’t necessarily call him. I just said, like, because I am an absolute troll, the biggest troll move you could do of all time is to snake that off. Like, he waits all that time, and then Conor just fights me anyway. That would be gold. I would feel like the biggest snake troll of all time. Yeah, that’s what you get for beating me. I mean, I’ll get my black belt in troll Olympics.”

Hooker was Michael Chandler’s maiden opponent in the UFC back at UFC 257 in January 2021. The former Bellator champion flatlined the Kiwi inside the opening round to kick things off in the Las Vegas-based promotion. A year later, he called out Conor McGregor in one of the most iconic callouts of all time.

Chandler seems to be doing his part for the fight well enough. However, nothing seems to be falling in place. He should have had his shot at UFC 303 but for McGregor pulling out with a toe injury. Now, the bout is unsure to happen in 2o24.

Hooker is just one among the many who would take the McGregor fight on a minute’s notice. BMF champion Max Holloway, and former interim champion Dustin Poirier, are two other big names who could compete against Chandler for a shot at ‘Mystic Mac.’ All of them bring more to the table for McGregor than Chandler – be it belts or a spot in the lightweight rankings.

Hooker clarified that his callout of McGregor was merely a provocation and a bluff, so Chandler may not have much to worry about there. However, even if there was any truth to it, a fight between them is unlikely to happen this year. Dana White has already confirmed that Conor McGregor won’t return to the Octagon in 2023. Additionally, McGregor only has two fights left on his contract, a fact not lost on any UFC lightweight contender.

Dana White’s stance on Conor McGregor returning in 2024

Since suffering a career-threatening injury in 2021, McGregor has been sidelined from the Octagon while attempting to make a comeback. However, his return has been delayed by distractions such as Hollywood projects and business ventures. A few months ago, UFC CEO Dana White announced McGregor’s return to UFC 303, but the fighter pulled out due to a pinky toe injury, disappointing fans eagerly anticipating his comeback.

Shockingly, Dana White poured cold water on Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated December return, which McGregor had previously announced. Speaking at the Dana White Contender Series, White contradicted McGregor, saying, “We talked. We talked. We didn’t meet up but we talked, and yeah, he wants to fight. So we’ll figure it out. [But] not this year. He won’t fight this year.”

A frustrated McGregor responded, “Ah Dana, December is the date! Bring the calendar home with a winning event! Come on now, what’s this? I am off to altitude next month to prepare. DECEMBER! Tell Dana and UFC WE WANT DECEMBER! WE DESERVE DECEMBER!”

What are your thoughts on Dan Hooker’s statement regarding his justification for calling out Conor McGregor? Do you think he is just trying to toll McGregor, or did he mistakenly express a deep-rooted desire?