'It's not our title, it's for the fans'… Dan Hooker slams Michael Chandler for his post-UFC 309 fight callout
11/18/2024 06:31 AM
Top lightweight contender Dan Hooker isn’t too impressed with Michael Chandler’s post-UFC 309 fight callout and has slammed his former rival.
Despite suffering a very disappointing loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 this past Saturday, Michael Chandler was given the opportunity to talk on the microphone.
The 38-year-old was hopeful that with a win over ‘Do Bronx’, he would earn the opportunity to fight for the undisputed title, however, his plans have now had to change.
Michael Chandler makes BMF title callout following UFC 309 loss
Of course, Chandler remains hopeful that he can secure a fight against Conor McGregor after their scheduled fight in June was canceled, and he called out ‘The Notorious’ following his loss.
However, knowing that he is unlikely to fight the Irishman next, he also called for a potential BMF title fight against the current champion, Max Holloway.
“I had a bunch of callouts, I was supposed to show up tonight, do my job, and win the fight. Forget Islam (Makhachev), Charles is doing that next.
“Maybe Max Holloway for the BMF belt. Or, Conor McGregor if you can ever get your house back in order… Come back and beat me, if you can,” Chandler said in his Octagon interview.
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Dan Hooker slams Michael Chandler for his post-fight callout
Chandler’s callout for a BMF title fight has been slammed by his former rival and top 10 ranked lightweight, Dan Hooker.
‘Iron’ Mike knocked Hooker out in his long-awaited UFC debut back in 2021 but since then, ‘The Hangman’ has seen a career resurgence and has overtaken Chandler.
“I don’t like Chandler calling for the BMF (title fight),” Hooker said in an interview with Submission Radio.
“Like, why does everyone keep throwing their hands up for the BMF? It’s not up to us. It’s not our title. It’s the BMF. The BMF title is for the fans. Like it’s up to the fans. People need to stop calling out for the BMF title, brother,” Hooker continued.
The Kiwi has previously speculated about fighting for the BMF title and after a four-man tournament was suggested to UFC CEO, Dana White, Hooker expressed his interest.
With Hooker now riding a three-fight win streak, he is hopeful of securing a big fight next against either Holloway or Justin Gaethje next.
Despite that, the 34-year-old believes ‘Blessed’ Holloway will want to take off a considerable amount of time and he isn’t willing to wait around for that potential fight.
Although the promotion is set to land in Sydney, Australia, for UFC 312 in February, Hooker has revealed that he and his wife are expecting a baby and so he will not be making an appearance on the UFC’s return down under.
