Conor McGregor fight date shot down immediately by opponent he called out

lightweight Dan Hooker has shot down on a potential fight with in February as his partner is expecting the birth of their second child that month.

Speaking to at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship's event in Marbella last weekend, McGregor suggested he's . In a brief exchange the BKFC shareholder said: "February 1, Saudi Arabia." Adding: "Dan Hooker" when asked for his opponent.

The former-two division champion hasn't fought since losing to back in 2021. He was expected to fight former Bellator champion in his comeback to the , but due to an injury. The American is now in November at UFC 309.

As for Hooker, 'The Hangman' has re-inserted his name in the lightweight division after he hit a bumpy road in his career following a defeat to Poirier in 2020. He then lost to the likes of Chandler, Islam Makhachev and Arnold Allen before finally finding some consistent form. The Kiwi is unbeaten in his last three fights and recently claimed the No.5 spot in the division after producing one of the best performances of his career, defeating Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 earlier this summer.

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The 34-year-old attended at the BKFC event in Marbella last weekend and was spotted having a chat with McGregor inside the squared circle, adding fuel to the fire of a potential clash in the cage. While the Irishman insisted a February return, 'The Hangman' is open to a fight with 'The Notorious,' but ir must take place in January or March as he's expecting his second child with his partner in February.

, he said: “I’m good to go in January or March. The missus is due [with a baby in] February, so, no can go. I’ve got a little girl on the way. You’d even turn down big fight with (Conor) McGregor for that. You’re not missing that. No panties are coming off in February.”

Despite talks of fighting Hooker, the Irishman star still hopes to settle his beef with Chandler, but UFC boss Dana White has insisted no decision has been made about his next opponent. “I’d like it to be Chandler,” McGregor said about his UFC comeback ahead of ’s loss to last month. “I’d like that to be squared away. I wish him well against Oliveira, but let’s see how it goes.”

White always anticipated that the 36-year-old would return next year. When asked if McGregor will fight again, he replied: “Yes. I wasn’t 100 per cent in 2024, but I am in 2025. I just am. I know more than you guys know. I’m 100 per cent confident McGregor will fight next year."