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Video: Conor McGregor Reveals Next Fight to Be vs. Dan Hooker in February amid Injury

Zach Bachar

Conor McGregor revealed on Saturday night that his next fight will occur against Dan Hooker.

After an appearance at a Bare Knuckle FC event, McGregor told Bloody Elbow's Donagh Corby that his upcoming clash with Hooker would occur on Feb. 1 in Saudi Arabia.

McGregor was initially set to make his return to the Octagon against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29, but he was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a broken toe.

McGregor hasn't fought since a loss to Dustin Poirier, as he suffered a broken tibia during the bout in July 2021. Meanwhile, Hooker has won each of his last three fights and is coming off a split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 on Aug. 17.

Before McGregor's comments on Saturday night, Hooker teased his upcoming opponent when speaking to Corby.

"I've got an opponent early next year that I'm focused on, he's just a busy man," Hooker said. "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."

The Irishman explained that he was eyeing a rematch with Chandler during a Tuesday interview with The Schmo but was also looking for a new fight before his recovery.

"I'd like to square it away with Michael Chandler," McGregor said (h/t ESPN's Andreas Hale). "You know, I'd like to get Chandler in. We've had our beef. It's not settled. He has a match scheduled. I would like to fight before he's recovered. There's a few names in the line at the minute. There's a few names being discussed."

Hooker campaigned to be McGregor's next opponent in a Sept. 20 appearance on Submission Radio.

"He's without a fight," Hooker said (h/t Farah Hannoun of MMA Junkie). "I know Conor's hungry to fight, and fight someone that he can get something from and makes a lot of sense."

While UFC president Dana White hasn't confirmed the fight yet, McGregor is preparing to face Hooker in Feb. 2025.

   

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