UFC 257: Michael Chandler to make his UFC debut against Dan Hooker on January 23

Former Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler is set to make his much-anticipated UFC debut against top contender Dan Hooker at UFC 257 on January 23 in Fight Island, Abu Dhabi. ESPN revealed that the two fighters have made a verbal agreement after UFC President Dana White talked about the matchup in an interview with The Schmo. Michael Chandler has been training for the past few weeks as his team anticipated that he’ll indeed fight in January.

Also Read l Dustin Poirier thinks Justin Gaethje would be great ‘measuring stick’ for Michael Chandler

UFC 257 fights: Michael Chandler vs Michael Chandler announced

Originally, The Iron was rumoured to fight former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, but the bout was never made official. UFC then attempted to book Chandler against Charles Oliveira, but that fight also didn’t come to fruition as Oliveira was concerned about making weight in a short notice. Oliveira, who had problems with cutting weight in the past, recently shocked the world by defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 256.

Also Read l Michael Chandler claims “there’s 0% chance I'll fight Tony Ferguson in December 2020”

Michael Chandler will look to make an immediate impact in the lightweight division and a win over Dan Hooker will definitely make him a major contender for the title. Chandler’s recent win came against Benson Henderson at Bellator 243, where he won via KO in the first round. As for Hooker, he’s currently at the sixth spot of the UFC lightweight rankings. He’s gone 3-1 in his past four appearances, including wins over Paul Felder and Al Iaquinta. His only loss came against Dustin Poirier in June 2020.

Also Read l Tony Ferguson says if Dana White wants him to fight Michael Chandler, he’ll “go to work”

Michael Chandler vs Dan Hooker to co-headline UFC 257

Michael Chandler vs Dan Hooker will co-headline the event, which will mark the return of Conor McGregor to the octagon. The Notorious One is set to face Dustin Poirier in a rematch at the main event. The two first collided in a featherweight bout at UFC 178, where McGregor came out on top.

UFC 257 fights: Updated fight card

• Lightweight: Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor
• Lightweight: Michael Chandler vs Dan Hooker
• Women's Flyweight: Jessica Eye vs Joanne Calderwood
• Light Heavyweight: Khalil Rountree Jr vs Marcin Prachnio                                                       
• Women's Strawweight: Marina Rodriguez vs Amanda Ribas                                                    
• Middleweight: Brad Tavares vs Antônio Carlos Júnior                                                
• Lightweight: Matt Frevola vs Ottman Azaitar                                                 
• Featherweight: Shane Burgos vs Hakeem Dawodu

Also Read l Michael Chandler praises Tony Ferguson, calls him out by saying, “he’s got a screw loose”

Image Source: Michael Chandler, Dan Hooker/ Instagram