Michael Chandler spent over two years of his UFC career waiting for a chance to fight Conor McGregor. Despite the anticipation and nearly making it happen, the matchup never came to fruition. Largely because McGregor is famously unpredictable and notoriously goes off the track. Many, including Dan Hooker, are left puzzled as to why Charles Olivera took the fight with nothing to gain.
While not official, Chandler is already calling his UFC 309 five-round fight a clear No. 1 contender fight for the lightweight title. With Chandler having to gain a chance at the title if he wins, Olivera seems to get nothing out of it. Olivera has already beaten Chandler for the lightweight title at UFC 262. Hooker is left puzzled as to why Olivera took the fight as he’s lost to current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
I don’t know. It’s a weird fight. I was like trying to justify the fight, but nah, just a weird fight. I get why Chandler would want to fight. Like obviously he gets by Olivera, then the UFC have kind of promised him a title shot. I don’t know too much of what Charles would get out of it, but yeah I can’t see it.
Dan Hooker via Submission Radio
While Chandler hopes to redeem himself against Olivera, a second fight would be bonkers nonetheless. Hooker has already fought Chandler in the American’s debut UFC fight back in 2021. He lost via TKO in the very first round but claims a rematch would not make sense for the Kiwi.
In the most electrifying division in the UFC, Hooker is back in the top 5 after four long years. Left without a dance partner for his next fight, there are quite a few options to choose from. Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Olivera are all the fights to make. But there’s nothing bigger than the ‘red panty night’ for Hooker.
Dan Hooker wants it all after UFC 305 showdown
After his grueling fight at UFC 305 against Mateusz Gamrot, Hooker secured a split decision victory in what many called a “Fight of the Night” performance. Hooker had a sense of fulfillment in his post-fight interview. Despite Gamrot’s toughness, Hooker was thrilled to get the victory. Hooker’s resilience shined through as he endured tough moments, including a near submission in the first round.
Hooker highlighted his desire to face high-level competitors, even playfully calling out McGregor. He also mentioned that he is open to taking on any of the top contenders in the lightweight division, including Arman Tsarukyan, showing his tough mentality towards earning a title shot.
Look at me now! I want them all brother, I want the BMF, I want Conor McGregor, I want a title eliminator. I want everything, brother. I want it all! Wooo!
Dan Hooker UFC 305 Octagon Interview
His victory over Gamrot earned him respect and solidified his return to the lightweight rankings, with some fans even discussing the possibility of a rematch with Poirier. He also showed his eagerness for a BMF fight, with many fans more than ready to watch The Hangman face off against Max Holloway.
