'I'm on board': Kiwi brawler Dan Hooker looms as potential UFC opponent for Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor's impending return to the UFC has taken a turn, with Kiwi star Dan Hooker now emerging as the front-runner to fight the former champion.

After withdrawing from his comeback bout against Michael Chandler earlier this year, McGregor has been vocal about his desire to end a lengthy hiatus from the sport.

The 36-year-old hasn't competed inside the octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier more than three years ago, but is still hopeful of returning to the mountaintop and claiming more championship gold.

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With his initial opponent Chandler now tied up in the short-term, McGregor (22-6) has turned his attention to Hooker, who is on a three-fight win streak with the UFC.

The pair exchanged words at a recent Bare Knuckle FC event, with the Irish superstar claiming they would meet early next year.

Hooker (24-12) has also confirmed his plans to take on the MMA legend.

"We had a few words inside of the ring ... I'm on board, he's on board, we just need to get the UFC on board and we'll get this thing across the line," he told Submission Radio.

However, despite claims from McGregor that they had a date set for February, Hooker is adamant that he won't be available then for an understandable reason.

"I'm good to go in January or March, but my missus is due in February," he told Helen Yee Sports this week.

"I think you'd even turn down the big fella McGregor for that one … I'm not missing that."

The 34-year-old is one of the UFC's most popular stars, earning 'fight of the night' honours on three occasions during his tenure with the promotion.

Hooker was born and raised in Auckland and continues to train at the world-renowned City Kickboxing gym alongside the likes of Israel Adesanya and Alex Volkanovski.