After being unable to fight in 2024, Conor McGregor has been exploring other avenues for his highly anticipated comeback. One potential opponent on his radar is Dan Hooker. Recently, UFC CEO Dana White discussed the possibility of a McGregor vs. Hooker showdown. As such, White even expressed his belief that it would be an excellent matchup.
Conor McGregor was set to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 but hit a roadblock due to a pinky toe injury. As a result, Chandler decided to pursue other opportunities. In the meantime, the Irishman appears to be more inclined to face off against Hooker in his comeback fight. This has garnered attention from the UFC CEO. As such, he also views the potential McGregor vs. Hooker fight as an enticing matchup.
Um yeah, obviously, you know that would be a great fight. I like that fight…
Dana White via DWCS 76 post fight presser
The buzz about this potential matchup began when Hooker called out McGregor after his impressive victory at UFC 305. Since then, the ‘Hangman’ has been vocal about his desire to face the Irishman. Hooker even explains how the Irishman would benefit from fighting him. Speaking of his records, the Hangman is currently riding a three-fight win streak and is ranked #5 in the UFC lightweight division.
Dana White says he hasn’t spoke to Dan Hooker or Conor McGregor about them fighting each other, but expresses interest in the fight 👀
“That would be a great fight. I like that fight.”#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/yY7eailsMc
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 16, 2024
Dana White’s relationship with Conor McGregor has become tense, as the Irishman has repeatedly voiced his displeasure with the UFC. The ‘Notorious’ has alleged that the organization has intentionally postponed his return to the octagon despite his readiness to fight.
However, amidst that, the Irishman recently announced his comeback in 2025. It could happen in the first quarter of the next year. Interestingly, similar to the UFC CEO, another UFC star has echoed his thoughts about the potential McGregor vs. Hooker matchup.
Dustin Poirier weighs in on the potential Conor McGregor vs. Dan Hooker fight
McGregor and Hooker are both UFC veterans who have defeated several formidable opponents in their illustrious careers but have never fought each other. Interestingly, they have one similarity in their UFC records: both have fallen short against Dustin Poirier. The Louisiana native is familiar with both Hooker and McGregor’s fighting styles.
During a conversation with Ariel Helwani, Dustin Poirier weighed in on the potential matchup between McGregor and Hooker. While Poirier didn’t provide a comprehensive analysis, he did talk about the strategies McGregor or Hooker could use to secure a victory over the other.
That is a fun fight man, that is a fun fight. Either guy. I think whoever lands the biggest clean shot first wins…
Dustin Poirier via The Ariel Helwani Show
DP weighs in on a potential matchup between McGregor & Hooker.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/aosq9v819Z
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 15, 2024
Hooker recently mentioned that McGregor was ready to clash against him. They are currently waiting for the promotion’s green signal for that fight. Although Dana White liked the idea of the McGregor vs. Hooker matchup, he didn’t discuss it with the fighters yet. That being said, seeing when this matchup materializes will be interesting.
