Hooker Criticizes Chandler’s BMF Title Callout
Dan Hooker criticized Michael Chandler’s bid for a BMF title fight after UFC 309. Chandler had just lost to Charles Oliveira, and Hooker argued that fighters cannot decide who receives a shot at the symbolic belt. The attached Submission Radio interview preserves Hooker’s reaction.
What Happened at UFC 309
Oliveira defeated Chandler by unanimous decision on November 16, 2024, with scores of 49-46, 49-46 and 49-45, according to the official UFC scorecards. Chandler’s immediate post-fight Octagon callout was Conor McGregor, as shown in the UFC interview. Hooker’s criticism addressed Chandler’s separate suggestion of pursuing a BMF fight against then-champion Max Holloway, discussed in the attached interview.
The BMF Title’s Next Stops
Holloway had won the BMF title from Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024. He later defended it against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 in July 2025, then lost it to Oliveira at UFC 326 in March 2026. The UFC 326 results identify Oliveira as the new BMF champion.
Hooker’s Results Since the Callout
Hooker came into the UFC 309 discussion after three consecutive wins through his victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305, including a split-decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. His run later turned: Arman Tsarukyan submitted him in November 2025, Benoît Saint Denis stopped him in January 2026, and Salahdine Parnasse won by first-round TKO in September 2026. Hooker’s official UFC record lists those results.
A Fan-Driven Belt
Hooker’s objection was about who gets to pursue the BMF title, not the value of the belt itself. The title has since moved from Holloway to Oliveira, while Chandler’s UFC 309 loss remained the result that prompted Hooker’s reaction.
