Conor McGregor names next opponent and exact date for comeback fight but fans already fear ‘banger’ won’t happen
CONOR MCGREGOR has revealed who he will face and when in his much-anticipated comeback fight.
The 36-year-old has not been in the octagon since losing to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
McGregor’s long-awaited return was set for June against Michael Chandler – only for him to pull out due to a broken toe.
In his three years out of action, the Irishman has expanded his business empire and he owns a stake in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
On his way out of their event in Spain last night, he was quizzed by reporter Donagh Corby on when he will make his UFC comeback.
McGregor replied: “February 1, Saudi Arabia. Dan Hooker.”
Hooker was spotted in the ring last night enjoying a friendly chat with McGregor.
He was seen holding a can of The Notorious’ Forged Irish Stout and the pair posed for a photo.
Hooker is currently ranked fifth in the UFC‘s lightweight rankings.
The New Zealander has won 24 of his 36 matches, with his last outing seeing him beat Mateusz Gamrot via a split decision in August.
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Hooker has lost to Poirier, Chandler and world champion Islam Makhachev in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Fans are split over whether the fight will actually happen, with one saying: “This is great for both of them and the fans.”
Another added: “That would be a banger.”
But others were sceptical, commenting: “Won’t believe it until it actually happens. Would be fun to watch, though.”
More reacted: “Bro just walks and says the first word that comes to his mind.”
On his potential comeback, McGregor said last month: “It will be 2025. We will see. My opponent that I had scheduled… it is what it is. I take it on board and rock on.
“My job is to go to the gym and be in shape. Whenever it is and wherever it is. I will be 100 per cent ready. I must get two fights in 2025. It is the promised land.
“Who knows (who the next opponent will be). It does not matter. Whoever, let’s see. I like it to be Chandler. I wish him well and see where it goes.”
Inside McGregor's Notorious lifestyle
With more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor's rise has been an enthralling watch.
Going from UFC icon to entrepreneur and Hollywood star, the Irishman has transcended the sport he helped bring to the masses.
He has four children with fiancee Dee Devlin and the family enjoy a lavish lifestyle.
McGregor has not fought in UFC since breaking his leg in a trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in 2021.
That has not stopped him amassing a net worth of over £150m thanks to his Proper No Twelve whiskey and fashion line.
And he is due to return to the Octagon at UFC 303 in an eagerly-awaited headline clash with Michael Chandler.
McGregor also starred alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the Amazon Prime remake of classic movie Road House, although he is dreading his mum seeing one X-rated scene.
Notorious turned up to the premiere in a £60,000 suit that was outdone by his £460k watch.
The only thing sharper than his fashion sense is his tongue and the Dubliner has several bitter spats under his belt, including with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
That row led to one of his biggest controversies in 2018 as he travelled 3,000 miles to confront Khabib in a vicious attack on his bus.
He pleaded guilty to assault after punching a man in a pub in 2018 and had his £150k Bentley seized by police for driving offences four years later.
Joe Rogan lashed out at McGregor in a four-letter outburst and the Irishman has also fired shots at Jake Paul, KSI and Tommy Fury.
Boxing great Floyd Mayweather also has McGregor on his enemy list after the pair clashed in a cross-sport bout in 2017.
Read all of our latest Conor McGregor stories.