Michael Chandler was once the new kid on the UFC block. The former Bellator champ burst onto the scene, guns blazing, ready to take on all comers. But lately, he’s been patient, waiting for the elusive Conor McGregor fight. Well, it looks like someone’s decided to throw Chandler a lifeline, and it is none other than his former opponent, Dan Hooker.
Hooker has been making waves lately, calling out big names left and right. First, he set his sights on ‘The Notorious’ himself. Now, he’s turned his attention to Chandler. He recently claimed his previous losses to both Chandler and Dustin Poirier don’t count. Why? This is what he said.
“Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler are bragging about beating me… Bro, you’re bragging about beating me on three weeks’ notice while I was training in my garage. Don’t say my name unless you’re willing to run it back,” said Hooker via Combat TV.
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is doing what Conor McGregor does best. He is keeping everyone guessing. Chandler has been left twiddling his thumb for two years now. But now, with Hooker throwing down the gauntlet, he might just have a chance to shake off the rust.
So, what’s next for Michael Chandler? Will he accept Dan Hooker’s challenge? Will McGregor finally make a decision? Or will Dana White throw fans a curveball and book something entirely unexpected? Only time will tell.
Dan Hooker Pledges to Play It Smart After Climbing UFC Lightweight Rankings
Dan Hooker was once the wild child of the UFC lightweight division. Those days might be behind us as the Kiwi fighter has learned some hard lessons. ‘The Hangman’ recently clawed his way back into the top five rankings. But this time, he’s not about to make the same mistakes.
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Hooker was riding high back in 2021. He was ranked fifth and felt invincible. Then came the Michael Chandler fight. Hooker, in a moment of what he now calls “dumbness,” agreed to fight Chandler on short notice.
“Well, yeah, yeah. I kind of have learned that from my first rodeo, right? Is to just kind of not do anything dumb this time around. I mean, the last time I was number five, I agreed to fight Michael Chandler fresh out of, like, really gave Michael Chandler a shot,” said Hooker via ESPN Australia.
It is refreshing to see a fighter learn from past mistakes. The lightweight division is no joke. It is arguably the most stacked and talent-rich division in the UFC. A single mistake could cost Hooker his shot at the title.
Also Read: Fans Suggest Wild Opponents As Dan Hooker Hints At One More Fight Before 2024
