Arman Tsarukyan Delivers Clinical Performance in Qatar, Solidifying Claim for UFC Lightweight Title Shot

Doha, Qatar – November 22, 2025 – Arman Tsarukyan emphatically cemented his position as the premier challenger for the UFC Lightweight Championship on Saturday night, delivering a dominant and clinical performance against veteran Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar. The No. 1 contender systematically dismantled Hooker, culminating in a second-round arm-triangle choke submission that sent a resounding message across the mixed martial arts landscape: Tsarukyan is ready for a championship opportunity against current titleholder Ilia Topuria.

The highly anticipated bout, staged at the Lusail Sports Arena, saw Tsarukyan showcase a refined and relentless offensive grappling game, complemented by sharp striking. From the opening bell, the Armenian-Russian fighter demonstrated a clear strategic advantage, immediately seeking to close the distance and implement his wrestling. Hooker, known for his dangerous striking and resilience, found himself on the defensive for much of the first round. Tsarukyan secured an early takedown, transitioning seamlessly into dominant positions and controlling "The Hangman" on the canvas. While significant damage was not inflicted, the control time accumulated by Tsarukyan was substantial, stifling Hooker’s offensive rhythm and draining his energy reserves. Tsarukyan’s ground-and-pound was measured, focusing on maintaining position and opening up submission opportunities, rather than reckless striking. The round concluded with Tsarukyan firmly in control, having dictated the pace and location of the fight.

The second round saw a similar pattern emerge, though with increased urgency from Tsarukyan. After a brief exchange of strikes on the feet, where Tsarukyan landed a crisp jab and an inside leg kick, he again initiated a takedown. This time, the transition to the ground was even more fluid, with Tsarukyan securing side control almost immediately. Recognizing an opening as Hooker attempted to defend, Tsarukyan swiftly transitioned to an arm-triangle choke. The submission was applied with precision and power, leaving Hooker with no option but to tap out at 3:05 of the second round. The victory marked Tsarukyan’s fourth consecutive win and underscored his status as one of the most dangerous and well-rounded contenders in the division.

Following his emphatic victory, Tsarukyan wasted no time in making his intentions clear, calling for a direct shot at Ilia Topuria. The sentiment was swiftly echoed by prominent figures within the sport, including former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo, who stated unequivocally on social media that Tsarukyan "will be the man to dethrone Ilia Topuria." This declaration highlights a growing consensus among analysts and fellow fighters regarding Tsarukyan’s potential to claim the lightweight crown.

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Tsarukyan’s journey to this point has been marked by consistent improvement and a willingness to face the toughest challenges. His professional record now stands at 22-3, with notable victories over top-ranked opponents. His only two losses in the UFC came against former champion Islam Makhachev in a short-notice debut fight that many observers felt was far closer than the judges’ scorecards indicated, and Mateusz Gamrot, a highly competitive decision loss that showcased Tsarukyan’s tenacity. Since the Gamrot fight in June 2022, Tsarukyan has been on an undeniable upward trajectory, securing wins against Joaquim Silva, Beneil Dariush, and now Dan Hooker. His wrestling background, combined with increasingly effective striking and an unrelenting pace, makes him a formidable opponent for any fighter in the lightweight division.

This triumph in Qatar held particular significance for Tsarukyan, as it followed a period of frustration earlier in 2025. He had been scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 in January, a highly anticipated rematch that promised to be a defining moment in his career. However, a back injury forced him to withdraw from the bout just a day before fight night, a setback that temporarily derailed his championship aspirations. His performance against Hooker demonstrated not only his physical recovery but also his mental fortitude and unwavering focus on the title.

Dan Hooker, a fan favorite known for his thrilling wars and never-say-die attitude, entered the fight looking to rebound and re-establish his standing in the division. With a professional record of 23-13, "The Hangman" has faced a who’s who of the lightweight and featherweight divisions throughout his career, including Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Paul Felder. His striking prowess and durability have earned him numerous Fight of the Night bonuses. However, against Tsarukyan, he struggled to implement his game plan, being repeatedly neutralized by the Armenian-Russian’s superior grappling. This loss represents a significant setback for Hooker, who will now need to reassess his path forward in the stacked lightweight division.

The call-out for Ilia Topuria sets the stage for a potential blockbuster championship bout. Ilia Topuria (16-0), the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, captured the title with a spectacular knockout victory over the long-reigning Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2025. Topuria, an undefeated fighter with devastating power in his hands and an elite grappling background, has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s most exciting champions. His blend of explosive striking and high-level jiu-jitsu makes him a challenging puzzle for any contender. A potential clash between Topuria’s aggressive, knockout-centric style and Tsarukyan’s relentless, wrestling-heavy pressure would offer a fascinating tactical matchup, pitting two of the division’s most promising talents against each other.

The UFC Lightweight division is widely regarded as one of the deepest and most competitive weight classes in mixed martial arts. Beyond Topuria and Tsarukyan, the division boasts an array of elite talent, including former champions Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier, as well as perennial contenders Justin Gaethje and Beneil Dariush. The outcome of Tsarukyan’s victory over Hooker significantly impacts the divisional rankings, solidifying his undisputed claim as the next in line for a title shot. While the timing of Topuria’s next defense remains to be officially announced, the momentum behind a Tsarukyan challenge is now undeniable.

The UFC’s decision to stage UFC Qatar as a major event in the Middle East underscores the organization’s continued global expansion. The event provided a significant platform for Tsarukyan to demonstrate his championship credentials on an international stage, further enhancing his profile within the sport. The performance in Doha not only delivered a compelling main event but also served as a clear statement from Arman Tsarukyan: his eyes are firmly fixed on the lightweight championship, and he appears ready to seize the opportunity.