Report: Michael Chandler vs. Dan Hooker Tabbed For UFC 257
Michael Chandler is finally set to make his UFC debut, and it will reportedly be against New Zealand contender Dan Hooker.
Chandler, Hooker and the UFC have all come to an agreement, according to New Zealand outlet Stuff. The fight is expected to be formally announced in the coming days. It will serve on the undercard of the highly-anticipated rematch between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor.
UFC: Kiwi lightweight Dan Hooker to take on Michael Chandler on McGregor undercard https://t.co/Mbv1y7xFtI pic.twitter.com/WmFtetlbIQ
— Stuff.co.nz Sport (@NZStuffSport) December 22, 2020
Chandler is a two-time Bellator lightweight champion. His resume outside of the UFC includes wins over Eddie Alvarez, Benson Henderson, and Patricky Friere. Chandler signed with the UFC in September and served as a back-up for the UFC 254 main event between Justin Gaethje and Khabib Nurmagomedov. He ultimately did not compete and needed time before he could make another weight cut.
Hooker, who had charged up the lightweight division off the backs of wins over Al Iaquinta, Paul Felder and James Vick, will be trying to bounce back after losing a decision to Poirier in June. Either man could potentially serve as a short-notice replacement if McGregor or Poirier were to pull out of the main event.
Fightful has all of your MMA needs covered. Follow us on Twitter for updates, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, lists, news updates, and predictions.
