Conor McGregor's UFC return collapses as opponent he called out dashes fight plans

Dan Hooker has dismissed speculation of a potential clash with Conor McGregor in February, citing the imminent arrival of his second child as the reason for not taking the fight.

McGregor hinted at a comeback fight against Hooker while attending the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Marbella, as reported by Bloody Elbow. In a quick dialogue, the BKFC investor revealed: "February 1, Saudi Arabia. Dan Hooker."

The ex-double division kingpin has been out of action since his defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021. Initially pegged to square off with former Bellator titlist Michael Chandler upon his UFC return, McGregor withdrew from their UFC 303 skirmish owing to an injury.

Chandler has since been lined up to take on Charles Oliveira in a highly-anticipated rematch this November at UFC 309.

Meanwhile, 'The Hangman' Hooker has made a strong comeback in the lightweight rankings after experiencing a rough patch post his loss to Poirier in 2020 and subsequent defeats to fighters including Chandler, Islam Makhachev, and Arnold Allen.

The New Zealander has roared back, staying unbeaten in his last trio of bouts and recently seizing the division's No.5 rank with a sterling victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305, marking a career highlight.

The 34-year-old fighter made waves at the BKFC event in Marbella last weekend, where he was seen engaging in conversation with McGregor inside the ring, sparking rumours of a future bout.

Despite McGregor's hints at a February comeback, 'The Hangman' is willing to take on 'The Notorious,' albeit with a strict timeline; he's available in January or March but off-limits in February due to the anticipated arrival of his second child but ruled out meeting McGregor's conditions.

Speaking to Helen Yee, he explained: "I'm good to go in January or March. The missus is due [with a baby in] February, so, no can go. I've got a little girl on the way. You'd even turn down [a] big fight with McGregor for that. You're not missing that. No panties are coming off in February."

While there's chatter about Hooker potentially facing McGregor, the Irish superstar seems more focused on resolving his rivalry with Chandler. However, UFC President Dana White has yet to confirm McGregor's next opponent.

McGregor expressed his preference last month, stating: "I'd like it to be Chandler. I'd like that to be squared away. I wish him well against Oliveira, but let's see how it goes."

White has been optimistic about McGregor's return in the coming year. In response to queries about McGregor stepping back into the octagon, White confidently said: "Yes. I wasn't 100 per cent in 2024, but I am in 2025. I just am. I know more than you guys know. I'm 100 per cent confident McGregor will fight next year."