Dan Hooker explains why Conor McGregor "has more to gain" from fighting him over Michael Chandler

Dan Hooker's recent sitdown with Submission Radio has yielded one of the most oft-seen callouts in MMA, as the New Zealander put forth his case for a Conor McGregor matchup. The Irishman is currently tied up with Michael Chandler, with both men expected to face off at some point.

However, with Chandler entertaining the idea that he may not ultimately fight McGregor, 'The Hangman' threw his name into the hat. In fact, he suggested that McGregor has more to gain from fighting him than Chandler.

Hooker said:

"I feel like it's a smart option, you know what I mean? You gonna fight a guy [himself] in the top five on a three-fight win streak or are you gonna fight a guy [Michael Chandler] who's not in the top five and coming off a loss. So, I just feel like, because I've been staying active and I've been fighting the best guys in the world, that he has more to gain from fighting me than he does from Chandler."

Check out Dan Hooker's comments on a potential matchup with Conor McGregor here (18:04):

Unfortunately, the matchup is unlikely to happen. McGregor has rarely, if ever, mentioned Hooker with any interest. Moreover, at this stage in his career, 'The Notorious' seems more concerned with expanding his portfolio as a businessman.

When compared to Chandler, Hooker may prove to be the harder fight for 'The Notorious.' Chandler, despite his athletic gifts and wrestling chops, often lunges into counterpunches. Meanwhile, Hooker is notoriously difficult to finish and his gas tank never bottoms out. While he is indeed on a win streak, McGregor is likely more interested in bigger names.

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Dan Hooker is also aiming to fight another former UFC lightweight champion

Conor McGregor isn't the only ex-UFC lightweight champion on Dan Hooker's radar. Prior to his UFC 305 bout with Mateusz Gamrot, 'The Hangman' campaigned for a matchup with the always exciting Charles Oliveira.

Speaking to heavywght MMA, Hooker said:

"I thought I'd try a little something out, and I announced on the show that I'm fighting Charles Oliveira on UFC Perth."

Check out Dan Hooker explaining his callout of Charles Oliveira (1:17):

While he didn't secure the matchup, he will continue aiming higher up the rankings and ultimately hope to secure a title fight.