TLDR
- Dan Hooker called out Michael Chandler for a rematch immediately after losing to Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325
- Hooker is on a two-fight losing streak with losses to Arman Tsarukyan and Saint-Denis
- Chandler is also struggling with three straight losses and his planned McGregor fight fell through
- The two fighters first met in 2021 in a Fight of the Night performance won by Chandler
- Hooker proposed the rematch for the upcoming UFC White House card
Sources: Yardbarker | Bloody Elbow | TWSN
Dan Hooker wasted no time calling out Michael Chandler after suffering a second-round knockout loss to Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325. The lightweight fighter wants a rematch with Chandler at the upcoming UFC White House card.
Hooker spoke with Oscar Willis immediately following his loss and made his intentions clear. “Michael Chandler at the White House,” Hooker said. “I’ll see you at the top. We can be on the early prelims at the White House.”
The callout comes as Hooker rides a two-fight losing streak. He lost to Arman Tsarukyan by submission before the knockout defeat to Saint-Denis at UFC 325.
Chandler finds himself in a similar position with three consecutive losses. The fighter had been pursuing a high-profile bout with Conor McGregor at the White House event, but UFC President Dana White reportedly passed on making that fight happen.
Dan Hooker wants to fight Michael Chandler next at the White House
"I'll see you at the top." 😂
(via @oscarswillis)pic.twitter.com/imq0AB0nBz
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 1, 2026
History Between the Two Fighters
Hooker and Chandler first met in the octagon in 2021. That fight turned into an instant classic, with both fighters delivering an action-packed performance that earned them Fight of the Night honors.
Chandler won their first encounter, but the fight’s entertainment value left fans wanting to see them compete again. Hooker referenced Chandler’s famous catchphrase when making his callout, showing he hasn’t forgotten their previous battle.
Both fighters have built reputations for putting on exciting shows regardless of the result. Their willingness to engage in firefights has earned them loyal fan bases despite recent setbacks.
What UFC Experts Are Saying
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad weighed in on potential matchups for fighters coming off losses. He suggested Hooker as a possible opponent for Paddy Pimblett, who recently lost to Justin Gaethje.
“After the fight like that you want to get him back in the win column,” Muhammad said. “But there’re no layups in the UFC anymore. I think they gonna end up giving him somebody like Dan Hooker.”
Muhammad’s comments reflect Hooker’s current standing in the division. Despite his losing streak, he remains a respected name who can provide a tough test for any lightweight.
The proposed fight with Chandler makes sense for both men from a matchmaking perspective. Neither fighter needs a win to stay relevant with fans, as their fighting styles guarantee entertainment.
The UFC White House card represents a historic event for the organization. Having two proven action fighters like Hooker and Chandler on the card would fit the promotion’s goal of showcasing exciting matchups.
Chandler has not publicly responded to Hooker’s callout. The UFC has also not announced any official plans to book the rematch at this time.
