In the UFC Qatar main event, Dan Hooker is scheduled to face top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan on November 22nd. The highly anticipated fight will be held inside the ABHA Arena in Doha, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts worldwide. Although the Armenian enters as the betting favorite to win, Hooker believes he has some different plans altogether.
Both fighters share a long-standing rivalry that has increased the hype, media attention, and fan anticipation surrounding their upcoming bout. ooker has mocked Tsarukyan, calling him a spoiled brat and criticizing his background to intensify the tension surrounding their rivalry. The fighter enters the contest on a three-fight winning streak and aims to maintain his momentum when he competes Saturday.
Handling Tsarukyan’s relentless wrestling pressure will be Hooker’s toughest task, but the Kiwi believes he has prepared an effective counter strategy. In a recent interview, Hooker stated how he plans to deny Tsarukyan every chance to attempt takedowns. “I’m gonna kick him in the head, there’s no rocket science, and we’ll see how he wrestles after that,” said Dan Hooker via UFC Vegas Media Day.
Dan Hooker believes a head kick will shut down Arman’s wrestling real quick 😳🥋
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 19, 2025
“I’m gonna kick him in the head, there’s no rocket science, and we’ll see how he wrestles after that.” pic.twitter.com/BD3ZQCROAf
Arman Tsarukyan aims to beat Dan Hooker and earn a title shot
Arman Tsarukyan previously missed a crucial title opportunity after withdrawing from his scheduled UFC 311 bout against Islam Makhachev. Since then, Dana White has sidelined him significantly, leaving Tsarukyan extremely determined to battle forward and reclaim his title shot. After more than seventeen months away from competition, Tsarukyan remains eager to return strongly and shift momentum back his way.

SHOP: The Kickboxer Collection
Tsarukyan has an ongoing beef with the current lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, and believes only he can beat the Knockout specialist. In a recent interview, the fighter talked about potentially beating Dan Hooker and challenging Topuria soon. “I don’t want to wait. If I perform very well and the UFC says, ‘Can you fight in January?’ I’ll take that fight right away,” said Arman Tsarukyan via MMA Fighting.
🚨👀 Arman Tsarukyan says he is willing to fight Ilia Topuria in January for a quick turnaround if he beats Dan Hooker this weekend:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 19, 2025
“I don’t want to wait. If I perform very well and the UFC says ‘Can you fight in January?’ I’ll take that fight right away.”
(via @mmafighting) pic.twitter.com/SoIFM4L1AD
Before all that, the Armenian must face Hooker, who is widely recognized for his impressive durability throughout fights. The fighter aims to defeat Tsarukyan and possibly move closer to earning an opportunity to fight for the lightweight or BMF title.
However, Hooker is often seen struggling against strong wrestlers in several previous matchups, and Tsarukyan might easily expose that familiar weakness. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to watch which fighter eventually comes out completely victorious this coming Saturday night.
READ MORE: Belal Muhammad makes bold claim ahead of Ian Garry fight “I’m going to outbox him”







