Arman Tsarukyan Chokes Out Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, Stakes His Claim for Next Lightweight Championship Opportunity
In the main event of UFC Qatar, Arman Tsarukyan faced Dan Hooker in a much-anticipated lightweight bout. Many expected this bout to function as a potential title eliminator that would position the winner to fight Ilia Topuria. With stakes as high as described, Tsarukyan produced a masterclass performance and ultimately finished Hooker decisively in the second round.
The last time Arman Tsarukyan stepped into the Octagon, it was at UFC 300, and following that, he pulled out of UFC 311. However, the Armenian made a huge comeback and submitted Hooker via a nasty arm triangle to end the fight. Following the win, the fighter called out Ilia Topuria to fight for the title next.
“Ilia, if you’re here, come on. There is just one contender No. 1. It’s Arman Tsarukyan. Everybody knows I’ve got to fight for the title. I’m ready. End of January, send me contract, I’ll be there,” said Arman Tsarukyan via Octagon interview.
Tsarukyan repeatedly secured clinch positions and takedowns as Hooker scrambled unsuccessfully to create distance and counter sustained grappling pressure effectively. Hooker attempted a guillotine late in round one, but Tsarukyan escaped and finished strongly with dominant top control and ground-and-pound. Early in round two, Tsarukyan advanced positions and secured the choke that forced Hooker’s tap, confirming his decisive superiority.
Can Arman Tsarukyan similarly dominate Ilia Topuria?
Arman Tsarukyan has often shown that he possesses relentless wrestling pressure and control that could potentially trouble Ilia Topuria throughout extended grappling exchanges. Topuria’s knockout power and strong defensive awareness, however, present serious challenges that would prevent Tsarukyan from easily replicating dominant success. A matchup between them would likely depend on Tsarukyan’s ability to maintain sustained control without allowing Topuria to gain momentum.
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The ‘El Matador’ has already mentioned that he will probably be back on the first UFC Paramount card in January. Many thought that Paddy Pimblett was the top choice for this fight; however, Tsarukyan has certainly changed the dynamics. The Armenian already has a nasty beef with Topuria, which can be used by the UFC to promote this fight in the near future.
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