Michael Chandler vs. Dan Hooker in the works for UFC 257 on Fight Island
Michael Chandler made headlines when he left his longtime home with Bellator to make the move over to the UFC. The former Bellator lightweight champion was deemed as one of the best to have ever fought at 155 pounds, but without ever completing in the UFC there would always be doubts. Now he has his chance to test himself against the top of the UFC lightweight division beginning with a very tough test. According to stuff.co.nz Chandler will be making his promotional debut against Dan Hooker on Jan. 23 at UFC 257.
The UFC 257 card will be held in Abu Dhabi at the UFC’s Fight Island location. The headliners for this event are none other than Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor. Having another lightweight bout on a card with such a high profile fight only makes sense that one could fill in if needed.
Chandler served as a backup to the UFC 254 event where Khabib Nurmagomedov took on Justin Gaethje. Many thought that making weight only to not wind up fighting was a strange move by the UFC for the highly anticipated arrival of Chandler. However, even though he wasn’t needed on that card he shot right up to the top of the division and has now put himself in the perfect position for a possible title shot in 2021.
With current champion Nurmagomedov announcing his retirement following his last fight, there will be a new champion very soon. If not the winner of Poirier vs. McGregor then maybe that winner will take on the winner of Chandler vs. Hooker for the undisputed title when all is said and done.
