McGregor teases UFC fight vs. Hooker in February

Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor hinted Saturday that his comeback fight could come early next year against fifth-ranked lightweight Dan Hooker.

"Feb. 1, Saudi Arabia," McGregor said to Bloody Elbow's Donagh Corby backstage at BKFC Spain when pressed for details about his return to the Octagon.

When asked who his opponent would be, McGregor replied, "Dan Hooker."

The UFC has yet to officially announce McGregor's next fight.

Also not official is an event in Saudi Arabia, though there have been rumors that the promotion will make its second appearance in the country in 2025.

McGregor was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, but the Irishman was forced out of the bout after suffering a toe injury in training. McGregor-Chandler had been in the works for over a year and a half after the two coached "The Ultimate Fighter 31."

In September, McGregor said he planned to fight twice in 2025 and complete his current UFC contract. He has shown interest in matchups against the likes of Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Nate Diaz.

Hooker called out McGregor after a win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in August.

McGregor, the biggest star in MMA history, hasn't stepped into the cage since losing a trilogy bout to Poirier in July 2021.