The UFC caused shockwaves a couple of weeks ago when they revealed that they had signed a former Bellator lightweight champion. has long been rumoured with a move to the UFC, and that finally materialised last week.
His signing was met with a great deal of excitement by fans, and that excitement only built further as it was revealed that he would be the fighter to step up for a lightweight title fight at UFC 254 should one of the fighters involved pull out.
However, all the attention that he has been getting has certainly rubbed up some of the other contenders in the division the wrong way, and now one of the other lightweights have taken exception to his signing.
UFC News: Hooker Calls Out Chandler
The signing of a Bellator champion is certainly huge news, but Dan Hooker still believes that the UFC’s trust in Chandler could be misplaced. He spoke to Submission Radio this week, and revealed that he would love the opportunity to face the former Bellator star.
Hooker claimed that he wants to be the first fighter that he comes up against, before insisting that he would be the one to send him back to the ‘B-Leagues’.
The fight could actually happen sooner than many fans would have thought, as reports have claimed that the UFC may look for somebody to take on Chandler at the upcoming event to ensure that he is on the card either way. These comments made by Hooker would certainly indicate that he is up for the challenge of being that man.
UFC News: Hooker Preparing To Step Up
It would certainly be something that all MMA fans would want to see, as Hooker is currently ranked at fourth in the lightweight rankings. Chandler will be a huge draw when he makes his long-awaited debut, as he will be looking to silence those that believe that he is too old to compete in the UFC. However, Chandler is a fighter that has made a career out of proving doubters wrong.
Hooker would certainly be an interesting first opponent for Chandler in UFC. He last fought in June, but he was beaten on that occasion by Dustin Poirier after a gripping five-round contest. That defeat ended his run of four victories inside the octagon, but there is no doubting that he has the tools to hurt Chandler, and it could be an intriguing fight to watch.
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