Top UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker is all set to fight former Bellator lightweight champion and UFC debutant Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 257.
Dan Hooker has stated that the reasoning behind taking on Michael Chandler is to eventually get a crack at former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor.
Conor McGregor will take on Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 257 in Fight Island, Abu Dhabi. Speaking to SCMP, Dan Hooker revealed that he could serve as a backup fighter if Dustin Poirier fails to make it to the fight.
“We’re definitely on that card to back up that fight,” Hooker explained (via TheBodyLock). “Dustin trains in Florida — that’s like the wild west for COVID from what you read online. The UFC need to have a backup for this fight so that’s what we’re here for.
Dan Hooker wants a crack at the red panty night
Speaking to SCMP, Dan Hooker stated that he took the fight against Dan Hooker for a chance to win the McGregor roulette.
“I’d be lying if I’m saying that’s not a big reason why I jumped at the opportunity to not only fight Michael Chandler, but to be on this card and to have that possibility… that’s the McGregor roulette, baby,” Hooker added. “You’re going to have a chance at winning the McGregor roulette. He’s not lying when he’s saying get the red panties out because it’s going to change your life! As a fighter, you’ll do anything for that fight.”
Dan Hooker plans on breaking Michael Chandler
Dan Hooker also stated that the UFC quickly trying to match Chandler up with a top 5 fighter instead giving him the opportunity to develop is going to work against the newly signed UFC fighter.
“The danger lies in getting to the top 5,” Dan Hooker continued. “If you were to put him against anyone else who’s come up in the UFC, like top 50, then a top 30, then a top 20, then a top 15-10… then his chances of losing skyrocket exponentially. So the quicker they can get him to a title, the quicker they could market and sell him. To me, you’re gonna give me the new toy? I’m gonna break the new toy real quick. They invested a whole lot of money to get this guy out of his contract and get him over to the UFC and they’re gonna throw him in with me who’s like a bad stylistic matchup and I’m gonna break the toy in five minutes. It’s like, yeah… I can’t say I feel sorry for them (laughs).”
Who do you guys think wins at UFC 257? Michael Chandler or Dan Hooker?
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