Tsarukyan Dominates Hooker, Eyes Topuria Title Shot as UFC Qatar Reshapes Lightweight Landscape

Doha, Qatar – The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s return to Qatar on November 22, 2025, delivered a night of high-stakes contests and definitive statements, none more impactful than Arman Tsarukyan’s commanding victory over Dan Hooker in the lightweight main event. The performance solidified Tsarukyan’s position as a premier contender, immediately leading to a direct challenge to reigning champion Ilia Topuria. The card, held at the Lusail Sports Arena, also featured a significant welterweight clash between Ian Machado Garry and Belal Muhammad, further clarifying the divisional pecking order.

Arman Tsarukyan (20-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) entered the octagon against veteran Dan Hooker (23-13 MMA, 13-9 UFC) with considerable momentum, having strung together a series of impressive wins since his competitive debut loss to then-unbeaten Islam Makhachev in 2019. Hooker, known for his relentless striking and iron will, was looking to re-establish himself in the upper echelons of the lightweight division after a period of mixed results. The stylistic matchup promised fireworks, pitting Tsarukyan’s wrestling-heavy, high-pressure attack against Hooker’s dangerous Muay Thai.

From the opening bell, Tsarukyan executed a near-flawless game plan, displaying an evolution in his striking while seamlessly integrating his elite grappling. He quickly closed the distance, negating Hooker’s reach advantage and powerful kicks. A series of crisp jabs and body shots in the initial exchanges softened Hooker, creating openings for Tsarukyan’s takedowns. Mid-way through the first round, Tsarukyan secured a powerful double-leg takedown, transitioning immediately into dominant top control. He patiently worked from half-guard to mount, landing short, precise elbows and punches that began to accumulate. Hooker, renowned for his submission defense and ability to scramble, found himself stifled by Tsarukyan’s suffocating pressure and positional control.

The second round saw Tsarukyan continue his dominance. After a brief stand-up exchange where he notably out-struck Hooker, he initiated another takedown, driving Hooker to the canvas against the fence. From there, Tsarukyan unleashed a brutal ground-and-pound assault. While Hooker attempted to defend and tie up, Tsarukyan’s strikes found their mark with increasing frequency and power. The referee, witnessing Hooker absorb significant damage without intelligently defending, intervened at 3:17 of the second round, awarding Tsarukyan a TKO victory. The decisive finish underscored Tsarukyan’s readiness for the division’s elite.

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In his post-fight interview, a confident Tsarukyan wasted no time in articulating his championship aspirations. “Ilia Topuria, I’m coming for you!” Tsarukyan declared, addressing the featherweight champion who recently ascended to the lightweight throne after defeating Islam Makhachev earlier in the year. “You think you’re the best? I’m the next challenge. Let’s make this happen.” The call-out immediately ignited discussion among pundits and fans regarding the next contender for Topuria’s newly acquired lightweight strap.

Ilia Topuria’s ascent to the lightweight championship has been meteoric. With an undefeated professional record (16-0 MMA), Topuria’s blend of explosive striking and high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has seen him dispatch every opponent with clinical precision. His victory over Makhachev was a landmark achievement, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most formidable talents. For Tsarukyan, a fight against Topuria represents not only a title shot but a high-profile challenge against a champion perceived by many as unstoppable. The stylistic clash between Tsarukyan’s wrestling-heavy, pressure-based attack and Topuria’s sharp counter-striking and opportunistic grappling promises a compelling narrative, offering a fresh dynamic to the lightweight division.

The potential matchup with Topuria also puts Tsarukyan directly in contention ahead of other notable lightweight contenders. While names like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier remain in the mix, Tsarukyan’s decisive win over Hooker, coupled with his recent victories over top-ranked opponents, makes his claim particularly strong. The mention of Paddy Pimblett in previous discussions as a potential Topuria opponent now seems less relevant in light of Tsarukyan’s performance. While Pimblett holds significant fan appeal, his resume currently lacks the depth of top-tier victories that Tsarukyan has accumulated, making the Georgian-Armenian fighter the more logical and earned challenger for championship gold. Tsarukyan’s relentless pace and powerful grappling could pose unique problems for Topuria, who has yet to face a lightweight with such a dominant wrestling pedigree coupled with rapidly improving striking.

In the co-main event, Irish sensation Ian Machado Garry (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) extended his undefeated record with a unanimous decision victory over veteran welterweight contender Belal Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC). The bout, fought over three rounds, was a tactical affair that saw Garry largely control the distance and land the cleaner, more impactful strikes, though Muhammad’s resilience and grappling threats kept the fight competitive.

Garry utilized his significant reach advantage and crisp striking technique to keep Muhammad at bay for much of the contest. His straight right hand and oblique kicks were particularly effective in disrupting Muhammad’s rhythm and preventing him from consistently closing the distance for his takedown attempts. While Muhammad, known for his high-volume pressure and wrestling, managed to secure a few takedowns, Garry demonstrated improved takedown defense and quickly returned to his feet, denying Muhammad prolonged ground control. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of Garry, reflecting his superior striking accuracy and control of the octagon.

The victory over a top-ranked welterweight like Muhammad propels Garry further up the divisional ladder, positioning him as a legitimate threat to the welterweight title. With his undefeated record and a growing highlight reel, Garry is quickly becoming a marquee name in the UFC. His next opponent could very well be another top-five contender, potentially setting him up for a title eliminator bout against the likes of Colby Covington or Shavkat Rakhmonov, as the division awaits the outcome of future championship bouts. Muhammad, despite the loss, maintained his reputation as one of the most durable and consistent fighters in the division, and his competitive performance against an undefeated rising star ensures he remains a relevant figure in future contender discussions.

Beyond the headlining acts, UFC Qatar showcased several other standout performances that earned post-fight bonuses. Heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta (13-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) delivered a devastating knockout victory over his opponent, showcasing his explosive power and earning him a performance bonus. The Dominican fighter’s clinical finish served as a strong statement in the competitive heavyweight division, suggesting he is a fighter to watch. Additionally, in a thrilling strawweight contest, Lila "The Lioness" Khan (9-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) secured a submission victory with a spectacular armbar in the third round, earning her a well-deserved "Fight of the Night" bonus for her gritty performance and decisive finish. These undercard battles contributed to the overall excitement of the event, highlighting the depth of talent within the UFC roster.

UFC Qatar ultimately served as a pivotal moment for the lightweight and welterweight divisions, with Arman Tsarukyan’s dominant win and immediate call-out of Ilia Topuria setting the stage for a potential championship clash that could define the next era of the lightweight division. Ian Machado Garry’s continued ascent in the welterweight ranks further complicates an already stacked division, ensuring a compelling landscape for fight fans in the months to come. The event reaffirmed Qatar’s growing prominence as a host for major combat sports spectacles.