UFC legend Chael Sonnen has claimed Dan Hooker is on a shortlist of opponents being put together for Conor McGregor's return.
McGregor has made a return to training in recent weeks ahead of a planned comeback later this year. The Irishman has ballooned in weight since breaking his leg last summer and has options available at both 155lb and 170lb despite his plan to challenge Kamaru Usman.
Sonnen believes Hooker would allow McGregor to take a calculated risk while learning for the future of his career. “In the business side of your career there are times where you’re gonna take big risks, but then you must learn from them," Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. "Hooker is a 55-pounder.
“What’s going to be next for him? Let’s just give that a minute. We just got this information that the former No.5 guy in the world is returning to the division. I will share with you a little inside scoop. I do know that Dan Hooker’s name is on the shortlist of possible opponents for McGregor’s return."
McGregor has recently suggested he is likely to make a switch to 170lb after showing off a new ripped physique from his time out of action. He issued a challenge to current division champion Usman who is yet to be defeated in his five consecutive title defences.
The Irishman will have been out of action for over a year by the time of his return and will be looking to earn a victory having fallen to three defeats in his last four fights. His decline in form has led to calls for the Irishman to take a tune-up fight before challenging any top five contender.
Who do you think Conor McGregor should fight on his return? Let us know an opponent in the comments section below
UFC legend Sonnen has suggested that UFC veteran Michael Chiesa would be a good opponent for McGregor after he was caught up in the infamous 2018 bus attack. “Michael Chiesa. That’s the one that has absolutely never been discussed by anybody," Sonnen continued. "But just to remind you guys. When the bus incident between Conor and the dolly and Khabib took place, there was lawsuits that followed that. And Chiesa was one of them. Chiesa got glass into his eye, it was very bad experience. I think that there’s a story there.
"I’ve always thought there was a story there that should be told. But neither guy has told it. Neither guy’s manager told it, neither camp has told it, no trainers have told it. But that’s the match. That’s a very interesting match from a stylistic standpoint. That checks a lot of boxes.”
McGregor has been paired with a whole host of opponents including a trilogy with Nate Diaz, an immediate 155lb title shot against Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje and the winner of Michael Chandler's upcoming bout with Tony Ferguson.
