‘DC’ Says Winner of Chandler – Hooker Should Call Out McGregor

As this post is being written, details regarding what’s going to happen with the UFC’s lightweight title, isn’t known. But, recently Daniel Cormier had some advice for Dan Hooker and Michael Chandler, on how they could help make sure they’re in the title shot mix.

Cormier says Chandler or Hooker need to call out McGregor

Recently it was announced that Chandler and Hooker are going to fight at the January 23, UFC 257 card. As you likely know, that event will see Conor McGregor fight Dustin Poirier in the headliner.

Since the champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced he was retiring in October, the consensus has been the winner of McGregor – Poirier will advance to a title fight.

Dana White is hoping to convince Khabib to fight one more time. But, if that doesn’t happen, then the UFC will need to set up a fight for the vacant belt.

Well, during Cormier’s latest ESPN show with Ariel Helwani, the legend had this advice for Chandler and Hooker (quote via MMA Junkie).

“For Chandler to be in the co-main event, it puts him in a perfect spot. And Dan Hooker, too,” Cormier said.

“If I’m Dan Hooker and I win, I’m immediately saying something about McGregor. Whoever wins at 155 pounds on that fight card, you say something about McGregor.

Because guess what? McGregor doesn’t have the ability to not respond. He will say something back.

He’ll say something and elevate you. There’s a level of stardom that comes with fighting on (the same card as) and with this dude that I’ve never seen.”

Cormier also recalled how Khabib maximized his opportunity to grab McGregor’s attention back in 2016, at UFC 205. After he subbed Michael Johnson at that event, which saw Conor beat Eddie Alvarez later that same night, he called out the star.

“Khabib’s on the prelims: ‘I want to fight with your chicken.’ All of a sudden they start to mention Khabib and Conor in the same breath.”

“Khabib isn’t the champ yet; he’s a young guy on his way up, and then it just builds.”

Good advice

Now sure, some will be quick to point out here that Dustin could beat Conor at UFC 257, and that would make a call out of McGregor kind of pointless.

But, that aside, grabbing Conor’s attention that night, with the title possibly being vacated very soon, is very good advice.

Especially since Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira could end up fighting soon, in another bout that could leave the winner with a strong case for a title shot.

So, the more buzz any of these fighters can generate, via exchanges with either McGregor (or Poirier), could move the UFC in their direction.

UFC 257 will take place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.