Armenian UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked #2 in the lightweight division and #14 pound-for-pound, will face New Zealand’s Dan Hooker (#6) in the main event of UFC Qatar on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, reports Zartonk Media citing the UFC.
The bout marks a critical opportunity for Tsarukyan to move one step closer to a long-awaited title shot, while Hooker looks to derail the Armenian contender’s momentum and reassert himself as one of the division’s most dangerous veterans. The fight headlines the UFC’s debut event in Qatar, signaling the promotion’s expansion into the Middle East and promising an international spectacle.
Nicknamed “Ahalkalakets” after his birthplace in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, Tsarukyan (22-3) last competed at UFC 300 in April 2024, where he earned a split-decision victory over former champion Charles Oliveira. He was originally scheduled to challenge then-champion Islam Makhachev for the lightweight belt at UFC 311 in January but was forced to withdraw less than 48 hours before fight night due to a back injury. Since then, he has kept active in grappling competitions, including a dominant submission win over former champion Benson Henderson.
Hooker (24-12), nicknamed “The Hangman,” makes his return following persistent hand injuries that sidelined him since his split-decision win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in Perth. Prior to that, Hooker had put together a strong run that positioned him back in the lightweight top five, though setbacks forced him to withdraw from a scheduled clash against Justin Gaethje earlier this year. At 35, Hooker’s experience and striking power make him a dangerous opponent for any lightweight contender.
In the co-main event, former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad (24-4, 1 NC) will face rising Irish star Ian Machado Garry (16-1). Muhammad is seeking redemption after losing his title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May, while Garry looks to build on his dominant win over Carlos Prates in April. Both fighters are vying to secure their place in the crowded welterweight title picture.
UFC Qatar will feature a stacked card with 11 bouts, including matchups such as Jan B?achowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov, Alex Perez vs. Asu Almabayev, and Serghei Spivac vs. Shamil Gaziev.
For Tsarukyan, this main event represents more than just another fight—it is a chance to rebound from his missed title opportunity and establish himself as the clear next challenger for lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. With the Armenian diaspora and global fanbase rallying behind him, Tsarukyan’s quest for UFC gold continues on the international stage.
