Dana White’s 2021 ‘Fight of the Year’ rematch alerted after Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker disappointment

Former rival Michael Chandler is ready to fight Justin Gaethje as Dan Hooker pulls out of UFC 313 co-main event.

Dana White’s 2021 ‘Fight of the Year’ rematch alerted after Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker disappointment

Michael Chandler wants to replace Dan Hooker and fight Justin Gaethje (via Imago/X)

Justin Gaethje is undeniably one of the most exciting fighters on the UFC roster. Fight fans were eager to see him in action at the UFC 313 co-main event. However, with Dan Hooker forced to withdraw, Dana White is scrambling to find a replacement. Amid the uncertainty, a familiar face from Gaethje’s past has expressed interest in stepping up.

Hooker’s unfortunate hand injury shocked fans who were expecting a brutal five-round war against Gaethje. With less than two weeks to the fight, finding a replacement who will match the tenacity of Hooker was a hard task. Surprisingly, former Bellator champion Michael Chandler showed interest out of nowhere. 

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The pair have already fought each other back in UFC 268 which was one of most brutal fights in recent times. Both fighters went at each for three rounds, with Gaethje taking the win via unanimous decision. It was a ferocious encounter and was also awarded the best fight of 2021 as declared by Dana White.

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After wasting two years of his professional career waiting for Conor McGregor, Chandler is motivated to compensate for it. While his last fight against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira didn’t go as planned, ‘Iron’ is just a win away from receiving a potential title eliminator bout.

Michael Chandler has other business to handle instead of Justin Gaethje

Michael Chandler’s intentions to become a last-minute replacement against Justin Gaethje did catch the attention of many fans. Both fighters like to entertain the crowd and could have given an entertaining bout. Given his fighting style, Chandler might be the perfect replacement for Dan Hooker. 

Michael Chandler will not be able to fight Paddy Pimblett
Michael Chandler will not be able to fight Paddy Pimblett (via X)

However, the ‘Iron’ has already a match lined up for himself, and it’s none other than the rising lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett. The five-round fight will take place in the co-main event of UFC 314. Chandler also cleared the assumptions about his previous tweet with a recent one. 

I appreciate all the interest…but I’ve got my opponent and my date. Gutted for JG…but I know he’s down to fight anyone…we will see him fight at the scheduled date. As for me… #ufc314 gon be 

Michael Chandler via X 

Pimblett is undefeated in UFC, and is riding an incredible momentum going into UFC 314. It will be his first fight against a top lightweight like Chandler and he wants to win and go close to the title shot. The hype around the fight is massive and the Scouser has opened as a fan favorite to take the win.

Related: Michael Chandler Net Worth, UFC contract, Endorsements and House