Chandler vs Hooker Targeted For UFC 257

It looks like Michael Chandler will finally get to make his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut. According to Stuff.co., the former Bellator MMA Lightweight champion of the world is in line to face Dan Hooker in the co-main event of UFC 257 on Jan. 23, 2021.

Per the report, the fight has been agreed to by both combatants and is expected to be finalized in the coming days.

Chandler has been teasing his UFC debut for some time now, though not was ever made official despite some close calls against Tony Ferguson. In the end, “El Cucuy” went on to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 256, eventually losing a unanimous decision.

Chandler hasn’t competed since knocking out Benson Henderson at Bellator 243 this past August, his second straight win. Hooker, meanwhile, hasn’t competed since coming up short against Dustin Poirier in a wildly-entertaining brawl this past summer, snapping his three-fight win streak.

Since UFC 257 will feature a highly-anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, it’s safe to assume that Chandler could step in to fill the main event void should something happen to either “Notorious” or “The Diamond.”

Predictions?