Conor McGregor Announces Potential UFC Comeback: Dan Hooker Set for February 1 Saudi Arabia Showdown

Conor McGregor has finally revealed the details of his highly anticipated return to the UFC.

McGregor Announces UFC Comeback Fight

After a lengthy absence due to injuries, the former two-division champion says he will face Dan Hooker in a lightweight bout on February 1, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

McGregor announced the news on Saturday night, as he exited the Marbella Arena following a BKFC event.

The Irishman, who has been out of action since breaking his leg in July 2021, had initially been scheduled to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 but was forced to withdraw due to a broken toe.

Hooker, a former interim lightweight title challenger, has been vocal about his desire to face McGregor and has been on a winning streak in the UFC.

The Australian fighter expressed his interest in the matchup after his victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305.

“I want them all,” Hooker said in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. “I want the BMF. I want Conor McGregor. I want a title eliminator.”

📍Conor McGregor says he will be facing Dan Hooker in Saudi Arabia on February 1st 👀

via @DonaghCorby_ pic.twitter.com/rL0aFyC9A5

— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) October 13, 2024

Hooker Says They Still Need To Get UFC ‘On Board’ For McGregor Fight

During an interview with Fox Sport Australia a few days after his victory, Hooker added of a possible McGregor fight: “Let’s see. Obviously, because of the Chandler situation, that is not a fight I would sit around and wait for.

“My eyes are on the title, and I know I’ve got a big fight coming up next. But I am actually heading over to BKFC in Spain next week, which Conor McGregor so happens to own.

“So yeah, by the end of next week hopefully I’ll get the chance to have a word with him and see if he is interested in the fight… I’m sure we will work something out.”

Judging by McGregor’s reaction on Saturday night, it seemed like the talks went smoothly, and Hooker confirmed he spoke with McGregor on the night and just needs to get the UFC ‘on board now’.

Speaking to Submission Radio, Hooker said, “We had a few words inside of the ring; February 1st works for me… I’m on board; he’s on board. We just need to get the UFC on board, and we’ll get this thing across the line.”

Should the fight happen, the announcement of this fight is sure to get fans excited. McGregor’s return to the Octagon is highly anticipated, and Hooker’s recent success makes him a formidable opponent.