UFC star Dan Hooker has claimed fighters need to show UFC superstar Conor McGregor "respect" in order to earn a fight with him.
McGregor has returned to training ahead of a comeback to the octagon next year after breaking his leg in defeat by Dustin Poirier last July. It is expected his return will take place in 2023 with the Irishman confirming he is eyeing a return at 170lb.
The UFC superstar has been subject to many call-outs during his time out of action including Jorge Masvidal who has blasted his rival in an attempt to entice him into a huge clash. However UFC contender Hooker believes McGregor will not want to reward a fellow contender with the opportunity to fight if they have tried to start a feud prior to it being agreed.
“I don’t know how these guys are trying to get a fight with McGregor by constantly disrespecting him, or calling him names, or bringing up his family stuff; stuff like that,” Hooker told The AllStar when assessing McGregor's options ahead of a UFC return. “You obviously need to understand that he knows whoever he fights, win or lose, is going to be financially secure for the rest of his days after that.
“So, why would he want to reward someone who’s saying that he’s not a good family man or constantly berating him and disrespecting him? It doesn’t make much sense to me when some of these guys attack him or question him like that, especially at a time when we know he’s filming a movie and not gonna compete for the next six months, eight months or even twelve months potentially.
“Are they doing it for attention? Building their brand? Maybe, he’s still the biggest name in the sport. Obviously, attaching your name to his name is a good business decision. But in terms of actually getting the fight, I don’t think these guys are thinking it that well through. You’re essentially asking him for something I can’t understand. You think he’s so easy to manipulate that you’re gonna call him names and he’s going to make a bad decision based off you calling him names?"
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McGregor is known for his brash talking antics and entertaining personality which has seen him remain the UFC's leading star despite his decline in form. One likely option for his comeback fight could be Masvidal who himself brings plenty of star attraction to the table which could make any contest one of the biggest in UFC history.
However he has offered a differing approach to Hooker's suggestion, declaring instead that he wants to "kill" McGregor. “He is false. He knows that I am a man who hits hard and that I come to kill. I do not come to hug in the cage,” Masvidal told ESPN Deportes. “I am going to give everything inside me to kill him. I have a little size but he is still a little boy."
