Conor McGregor's latest plan to fight on February 1 in his long-awaited UFC comeback has hit another issue with Dan Hooker announcing he's unable to fight that month.
It's been nearly four years since McGregor last fought in the UFC in a first-round knockout loss to Dustin Poirier.
The two-weight champion has pushed for a return to the sport since recovering from his injury issues at the start of 2023.
He was originally expected to make his comeback against Michael Chandler with both appearing as head coaches in The Ultimate Fighter.
Conor McGregor has said he plans to fight next year
PABut the planned fight kept getting pushed back due to McGregor not being in the USADA testing pool and Dana White being unable to find an event for the fight.
UFC 303 was finally pencilled in as the date for McGregor's return, but he pulled out of the fight with a toe injury.
McGregor has repeatedly challenged UFC CEO White to give him a new date with hope of coming back in 2024.
However, speaking this week, McGregor appeared to admit defeat when he announced his intentions to fight Hooker on February 1 next year in Saudi Arabia.
A UFC Fight Night is scheduled to take place at the Kingdom Arena on February 1, but there has been no confirmation on whether McGregor will be on the card.
And Hooker has raised doubts on his involvement in the fight as he's ruled out fighting the entire month of February with his second daughter due to be born.
"I'm good to go in January or March," he said.
"The missus is due February so no can go."
Dan Hooker has ruled out fighting in February
GETTY
Speaking elsewhere, Hooker further explained: "I'm looking to fight January or March next year.
"The UFC has given me a few tasty names slide across my desk so they get me excited so I'm focused on that."
And Hooker can't understand why McGregor would entertain the prospect of returning to the octagon.
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Conor McGregor has not fought in over three years
GETTY"That guys busy," he added.
"He's got money coming out of his ears. If I had that amount of money in the bank you wouldn't see me anywhere near fist fighting."