Dana White explains why Arman Tsarukyan missed out on title shot after Dan Hooker faceoff incident
Dana White has clarified that Arman Tsarukyan’s failure to secure a lightweight title shot was influenced by his actions during a faceoff with Dan Hooker in Qatar.
The incident occurred during an official faceoff in fight week, where Tsarukyan headbutted Hooker as tensions boiled over in front of cameras and officials. While the moment was brief and quickly controlled, it drew immediate attention and disciplinary concern from the promotion.
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Why the faceoff incident mattered
White explained that when fighters are on the brink of a championship opportunity, public behaviour carries weight. He made it clear that incidents during official UFC events, especially faceoffs designed to promote fights, are taken seriously. According to White, the headbutt played a significant role in Tsarukyan not being rewarded with a title shot despite his strong position in the lightweight rankings.
Tsarukyan has been widely viewed as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders, with performances that have put him firmly in the championship conversation. However, White’s comments reinforced the idea that earning a title fight is not just about wins and rankings, but also about professionalism during high-profile moments.
Hooker did not escalate the situation afterward, and the UFC handled the matter internally, but the message from the promotion was clear. Actions during official faceoffs are considered part of the job, and crossing the line can have real consequences.
For Tsarukyan, the setback does not remove him from the title picture, but it does delay his path. With the lightweight division as crowded as ever, staying composed in the spotlight may prove just as important as his next result inside the Octagon.
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