Dazed by Mike Tyson twice, Conor McGregor’s possible opponent admits missed photo opportunities

Conor McGregor's likely opponent freezes in the presence of boxing royalty 'Iron' Mike Tyson; fails to click photos.

Dazed by Mike Tyson twice, Conor McGregor’s possible opponent admits missed photo opportunities

Conor McGregor and Mike Tyson (Image via Instagram)

Being ‘star struck’ by the likes of Conor McGregor and legend ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson is nothing to be ashamed of. Despite the latter’s retirement from boxing, Tyson has remained a popular figure worldwide. Tyson returned to boxing in 2020 against the aging opponent Roy Jones Jr to end their retirement. Furthermore, the boxing legend is now looking for his last hurrah against Jake Paul on November 15th.

Being a close ally of the combat sports world, Mike Tyson often appears in UFC, Boxing, and BKFC. Tyson attended BKFC Spain, which also saw the appearance of Conor McGregor’s likely opponent Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker. In an interview with The Schmo, Hooker talked about being star-struck by ‘Iron Mike’ Tyson and some missed opportunities with the legend.

I’d won a fight, and he(Israel Adesanaya) had lost. We went out like to wait outside the medical tent and then Mike Tyson comes in like stands next to us. My wife’s standing next to me like ‘go to Mike Tyson’ and I want a picture, I want a picture. But I don’t want the first thing Israel to see is come out of the medical tent and I am standing there with Mike Tyson with a big cheesy grin on my face. So instead of taking the photo I choose to support my team mate.

Dan Hooker via The Schmo
YouTube video

Dan Hooker has seen an amazing resurgence in the past few years by breaking into the top 5 with three impressive victories. Not just that, but the NZAC fighter has turned himself into a top contender, driving the intrigue of Irish megastar Conor McGregor. The duo met during the BKFC event and sparked a conversation about a possible clash.

FS Video

McGregor hasn’t been able to compete in the UFC ever since breaking his foot at UFC 264. Speaking with the paparazzi after the BKFC event, McGregor revealed Hooker’s name as his likely next opponent. Originally, the Irish star was meant to face Michael Chandler earlier in the year. With Chandler eyeing a world title run in UFC, it seems like Hooker is the front-runner for this clash.

Dan Hooker would love to fight Conor McGregor or Max Holloway for his BMF title

The 10-year UFC veteran Dan Hooker hasn’t fought for the UFC gold, and with one good win, he can change his luck. Reports suggest Hooker and McGregor reached an agreement to face each other. However, he also showcased great intrigue in Dustin Poirier’s idea of 4-man BMF title tournament.

Conor McGregor, Dan Hooker
Conor McGregor, Dan Hooker (Image via open source)

Not just Hooker but UFC CEO Dana White also took a liking to the aforementioned idea. However, during the interview with Schmo, Hangman leaned more toward the BMF title, although it still didn’t dull his title aspirations.

I’d probably gun for that BMF title. Yeah, that’s pretty sweet. Yeah, I’d like the fight with Max. That’s an exciting fight. Yeah, I am looking to fight Januray, March, next year, and UFC has been giving me some tasty names.

Dan Hooker via The Schmo

Not long ago, Team Khabib made the announcement of accepting a title fight in January with an undisclosed opponent. Incidentally, this leaves room for Hooker to safely capitalize on a mega-fight with ‘The Notorious’ star while keeping his spot intact in the rankings.