In an exciting turn of events, MMA superstar Conor McGregor appears to be on the brink of securing a highly-anticipated matchup against Dan Hooker on February 1. This intriguing development unfolded at the recent Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) event in Marbella, Spain, where McGregor, a co-owner of the promotion, casually mentioned that he has his sights set on Hooker for his next fight.

This potential bout coincides with a planned UFC event in Saudi Arabia on the same date, raising questions about whether McGregor might transition from his UFC roots for this encounter. The buzz around this fight intensified when Hooker, also attending the Marbella event, confirmed the mutual interest during an interview. “Lock it in,” Hooker stated, revealing that they had a brief conversation in the ring. “February 1 works for me in Saudi. We’ll get that thing straight away.”

As it stands, the UFC has yet to announce any specific fights for the Saudi Arabia event, but the anticipation is building. Should a marquee matchup be needed to headline the card, Hooker is eager to step up to the plate with McGregor, highlighting their shared ambition and camaraderie developed while embracing the vibrant fight atmosphere in Spain. Hooker aptly described their relationship as “kindred spirits,” suggesting that they see eye to eye on numerous aspects within the sport.

While McGregor's association with BKFC enhances the promotion's visibility—thanks to his prominent social media presence and personal appearances—it’s important to remember that he remains under UFC contract, making any participation in a bare-knuckle arena currently impractical from a regulatory standpoint. However, his role as a promotional figure continues to bolster BKFC's profile in the fighting world.

For Hooker, the electrifying aura surrounding BKFC intrigues him, and while he’s currently focused on UFC lightweight championship pursuits, he expresses a long-term aspiration to step into the bare-knuckle boxing realm. “I don’t think anyone on Earth doesn’t want to see me fight in bare-knuckle besides my missus,” he joked. “For the most part now, my eyes are set on the world titles and getting that strap around my waist.”

As fans eagerly await confirmation of this potentially monumental McGregor vs. Hooker clash, other significant happenings in the MMA sphere are unfolding. Brandon Royval recently showcased his skills, handing Tatsuro Taira his first career loss in a thrilling five-round match—further solidifying his position as a top contender for the UFC flyweight title.

With intriguing fights on the horizon, including a notable card planned for UFC 310—featuring fighters like Belal Muhammad against Shavkat Rakhmonov—fans across the globe are bracing for an action-packed start to February, hoping to witness some of their favorite fighters in the octagon and beyond.

As discussions and planning for this potential matchup continue, one thing is certain: the fight world is buzzing with excitement! Keep your eyes peeled, as the coming weeks promise to reveal more on whether McGregor and Hooker will truly face off in Saudi Arabia.