Michael Chandler vs Dan Hooker Set for UFC 257

After much talk, Michael Chandler’s UFC debut is set. The former Bellator lightweight champion will make his Octagon debut against number 6 lightweight  Dan Hooker. The two will face off and serve as the co-main event of UFC 257 on January 23, 2020, at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Official. Hooker (@danthehangma) vs. Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) is on for UFC 257 in Fight Island. A few last minute logistical hurdles needed to be cleared, but it’s now all set. 20 days away. Who you got? pic.twitter.com/y2WkXFcPHR

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 3, 2021

UFC 257 will be headlined by the rematch between former two-division champion Conor McGregor and former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier. Although that bout is considered to be the highlight of the event, the winner of Chandler vs Poirier could emerge as an important player in the lightweight division.

The UFC lightweight title is in limbo with champion Khabib Nurmagomedov retiring after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 last October. UFC president Dana White has kept Khabib in the rankings and as a champion because he believes that the Dagestani will return for one more bout.

The winner of McGregor vs Poirier is expected to have the inside track to the next title fight at lightweight, whether it be against Khabib or a vacant title fight against another contender. Along with Justin Gaethje and  Charles Oliveira, the winner of Hooker vs Chandler will also be in consideration.

Chandler Heads to the UFC

Chandler signed with the UFC in October with an immediate task of becoming the backup fighter in case one of either Khabib or Gaethje didn’t make it to UFC 254. After that event, he was linked to welcome back Tony Ferguson after the latter’s loss to Gaethje but El Cucuy ended up fighting ( and losing to ) Edson Barboza. Chandler was looking for a Top 5 opponent and it was rumored that he could face Gaethje or Barboza.

The 34-year old from High Ridge in Missouri is a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion. Chandler was a former NCAA Division I All-American collegiate wrestler from the University of Missouri who also won the Bellator Season 4 lightweight tournament before capturing the lightweight title three times.

Following his victory over Benson Henderson in August 2020, he became a promotional free agent and took his talents to the UFC. Chandler has a record of 21-5 with 9 knockouts and 7 wins via submission. He owns notable wins over the likes of Eddie Alvarez, Patricky Freire, Benson Henderson, and Brent Primus.

A Rude Welcome

Ever since this bout was first mentioned, New Zealand’s Dan Hooker has been keen to welcome Chandler to the UFC, in a rude way. The 30-year old from Auckland is a former King of the Ring middleweight kickboxing champion and WKBF X-rules welterweight champion. After two successful defenses of the AFC lightweight title in Australia, he joined the UFC in 2014.

Hooker had a rough start to his Octagon career, going 3-3 in his first six bouts. But since losing to Jason Knight in 2016 and moving up from featherweight, he has won seven out of his last nine bouts, including five wins via stoppage. Hangman is coming off a close 48-46, 48-47,48-47 unanimous decision loss to Poirier in his most recent fight at UFC Vegas 4.

The New Zealander has a record of 20-9 with 10 knockouts and 7 wins via submission. Hooker has wins over notable fighters like Ross Pearson, Jim Miller, Gilbert Burns, James Vick, Al Iaquinta, and Paul Felder. Online sportsbooks currently have Hooker as the slight betting favorite over the newcome Chandler. Online Sportsbook BetOnline currently has the no. 6 lightweight as a -170 favorite with Chandler coming back at +140. Hooker’s last two fights have been Fight of the Night winners. With what’s at stake here for both fighters, it won’t be too much to expect another one here.