Conor McGregor made headlines once again with unexpected fight news that has the MMA world buzzing. The former UFC double champion, who now holds partial ownership of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), was present at the BKFC event in Marbella, Spain, on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The event, which featured Tenaglia vs. Soto, took place at the iconic Marbella Arena and marked another successful showing for the promotion, now airing on the DAZN platform.
Following the event, McGregor dropped a surprising detail about his potential return to the octagon. Speaking with Bloody Elbow, he revealed, “February first, Saudi Arabia. Dan Hooker.”
This revelation caught many off guard. Dan Hooker, also known as “The Hangman,” was present at the BKFC event himself, not as a competitor but as a cornerman. He was there to support MMA journalist Oscar Willis, who had an impressive showing, securing a knockout victory in his own right.
When asked about his next fight before McGregor’s announcement, Hooker gave no indication that he was aware of any potential clash with the Irishman. He stated, “I’ve got an opponent early next year that I’m focused on, [McGregor] is just a busy man. From coming over here and seeing all the things that he’s got going on, if I had that amount of businesses and that much money, I don’t think you’d catch me anywhere near a cage for the rest of my days.”
Conor McGregor Reveals He Has Dan Hooker Fight Date
McGregor’s announcement, while exciting, was met with some scepticism. Over the years, fans and pundits alike have become wary of McGregor’s fight announcements, as the timing of his return to action has often been uncertain. This time, there’s also a question mark over the date and location. The UFC has a major event scheduled in Australia in February, which casts doubt on whether McGregor could actually headline a fight night in Saudi Arabia that same month.
Despite the logistical concerns, a matchup between McGregor and Hooker certainly piques interest. Hooker is fresh off a thrilling “Fight of the Night” performance against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor hasn’t competed since suffering a devastating leg injury at UFC 257. That bout against Dustin Poirier ended in disaster for the Irishman, and fans are eager to see how he performs in his comeback after such a significant setback.
But this isn’t the first time McGregor’s comeback has been shrouded in uncertainty. The much-publicized debacle surrounding UFC 303 earlier this year further added to the scepticism about his return to the octagon. Still, the prospect of seeing “The Notorious” back in action always brings a certain level of excitement, and if a fight with Hooker does materialize, it promises to be a thrilling encounter.
McGregor vs. Hooker Legit?
For now, it’s a waiting game. McGregor’s announcement may spark hope, but with his history of delays and cancellations, fans are right to temper their expectations. Hooker’s calm response also suggests that while he may be preparing for a fight, he’s not necessarily banking on it being against McGregor.
A McGregor vs. Hooker fight could be a breath of fresh air in the UFC’s lightweight division. Both fighters are known for their striking skills and willingness to engage inside the cage. Hooker, with his recent momentum, could pose a real threat to McGregor, especially given the latter’s long layoff. On the other hand, McGregor’s star power and sharp striking still make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
As of now, we’ll have to wait and see if Conor McGregor vs. Hooker in Saudi Arabia on February 1 becomes a reality.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
