UFC: Michael Chandler hits back at Dan Hooker – ‘this toy may be unsafe for some users’

Chandler posts picture on Twitter warning the ‘Hangman’ of a ‘choking hazard’ ahead of UFC 257 co-main event

No 6-ranked Hooker plans to ‘break the new toy real quick’ when he welcomes former Bellator lightweight champ to UFC

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Michael Chandler ahead of his fight against Benson Henderson. Photo: Bellator MMA

Published: 8:34am, 9 Jan 2021Updated: 8:34am, 9 Jan 2021

Dan Hooker clearly caused a stir after telling SCMP MMA this week he will “break the new toy real quick” when he fights Michael Chandler in the UFC 257 co-main event.

Former Bellator lightweight champ Chandler (21-5) will make his UFC debut on January 23 in Abu Dhabi, looking to put himself into the title picture with a win over No 6-ranked Hooker (20-9).

The “Hangman” has no intention of being a stepping stone, however, and had some stern words for the 34-year-old American.

“They invested a whole lot of money to get this guy over to the UFC,” Hooker said. “And they are going to throw him in with me who is a bad stylistic match-up. I’m gonna break the toy in five minutes. I can’t say I feel sorry for them.”

The 30-year-old New Zealander has opened as the favourite with oddsmakers for the Fight Island bout, but Chandler has sent him a clear warning after getting winds of his words.