Between the Links: Arman Tsarukyan shines at UFC Qatar, who is next for Islam Makhachev, what we’re thankful for in MMA

Arman Tsarukyan delivered a commanding performance against Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar this past Saturday, emphatically staking his claim as a premier contender in the UFC’s lightweight division. His victory, secured through a dominant display of grappling and striking, has significantly altered the championship landscape and intensified the debate surrounding Islam Makhachev’s next title defense. Tsarukyan, now riding a four-fight winning streak since his contentious decision loss to Makhachev in 2019, has publicly called for a rematch against the reigning lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, for the coveted world title. The timing of Tsarukyan’s ascent, coupled with his impressive record of 21 wins and 3 losses, places him firmly in the conversation, raising questions about whether his merit will secure him the immediate opportunity or if other narratives, such as a potential title shot for the popular Paddy Pimblett, might emerge.

The lightweight division, widely considered one of the most competitive in mixed martial arts, is poised for a significant shake-up heading into 2026. Tsarukyan’s recent triumphs, including decisive wins over Beneil Dariush and Joaquim Silva prior to his encounter with Hooker, underscore his evolution as a fighter. Against Hooker, Tsarukyan showcased a comprehensive skill set, controlling the octagon, landing significant strikes, and neutralizing Hooker’s dangerous stand-up game, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory that left little doubt about his readiness for championship contention. Dan Hooker, a veteran with a reputation for thrilling fights, entered the bout following a submission victory over Jalin Turner and was looking to re-establish himself in the top five. However, Tsarukyan’s relentless pressure proved too much, relegating Hooker to a 23-13 professional record. The performance has prompted extensive discussion among analysts regarding the hierarchy of the 155-pound class and the potential matchups that could define the division for the next year.

The immediate focus following Tsarukyan’s win shifts to Islam Makhachev, the undisputed lightweight champion, and the identity of his next challenger. Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) has been a dominant force since capturing the title from Charles Oliveira in October 2022 and successfully defending it twice against Alexander Volkanovski and once more against Oliveira in a rematch. His wrestling prowess and submission game have proven exceptionally difficult to overcome. The most prominent contenders for Makhachev’s title currently include Justin Gaethje, the BMF titleholder, who recently secured a spectacular knockout victory over Dustin Poirier; Charles Oliveira, the former champion, who submitted Beneil Dariush before pulling out of his scheduled rematch with Makhachev due to injury; and now, Arman Tsarukyan. Gaethje’s claim is strong due to his BMF status and recent performance, while Oliveira’s prior reign and recent win keep him in contention. Tsarukyan’s argument rests on his consistent victories against high-level opponents and the fact that he has already faced Makhachev, providing a compelling narrative for a rematch where both fighters have significantly improved. The UFC’s matchmakers face a complex decision balancing competitive merit, fan interest, and logistical considerations for Makhachev’s next defense, likely in the first half of 2025.

Beyond the lightweight title picture, other significant developments are shaping the broader combat sports landscape. In the welterweight division, Ian Machado Garry (15-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) extended his undefeated professional record by defeating Belal Muhammad (23-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) in a highly anticipated clash. Garry’s unanimous decision victory was a statement, showcasing his evolving striking and defensive capabilities against a durable and highly-ranked opponent. Muhammad, who had been on a nine-fight unbeaten streak, was seeking a title shot against reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Garry’s win elevates him into the upper echelon of the 170-pound division, positioning him for future contender bouts against top-ranked opponents such as Shavkat Rakhmonov or potentially a title eliminator against Muhammad again or another top-five contender. The welterweight championship, currently held by Leon Edwards, remains highly competitive, with contenders like Colby Covington and Rakhmonov vying for their opportunity. Garry’s ascent adds another compelling storyline to this already stacked division.

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Reports have also surfaced regarding a potential blockbuster fight featuring Kayla Harrison (16-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) against the returning legend Amanda Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC). Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and a dominant force in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) where she won two lightweight tournaments, recently signed with the UFC. A matchup against Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time, who retired as a two-division champion (bantamweight and featherweight) in June 2023, would be an immediate marquee event. The reported contest is currently considered a frontrunner to headline the UFC’s inaugural major numbered event to be broadcast on Paramount, signaling the organization’s intent to launch its new broadcast partnership with a high-profile, captivating bout. Such a fight would inevitably draw massive attention, pitting a decorated judoka and proven finisher against the sport’s most dominant female striker and grappler, with potential implications for the future of both the women’s bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

In the realm of professional boxing, significant buzz has been generated by the press conference for a potential crossover bout between internet personality turned boxer Jake Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) and former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs). While specific details regarding a date, venue, and weight class are still subject to official confirmation, the mere prospect of this matchup has captured widespread attention across combat sports. Paul, who has consistently sought out high-profile opponents from MMA and boxing, would face his most formidable challenge yet in Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion. The press conference, held recently, served to ignite promotional efforts and gauge public interest, suggesting that negotiations are progressing for what would undoubtedly be a lucrative event. This pairing exemplifies the current trend of crossover fights generating significant media and fan engagement, further blurring the lines between traditional boxing and celebrity-driven combat events.

As the year draws to a close, the combat sports community reflects on a period marked by memorable contests, emerging talents, and significant divisional shifts. The sheer depth of talent across multiple weight classes, from the evolving lightweight division to the competitive welterweight landscape and the burgeoning women’s divisions, has provided a consistent stream of high-stakes matchups. The continued growth of the sport globally, evidenced by events like UFC Qatar, underscores its expanding reach and fan base. Furthermore, the discussions surrounding athlete welfare, advancements in training methodologies, and the strategic decisions made by promotions like the UFC and PFL contribute to a dynamic and evolving industry. These elements collectively represent the enduring appeal and progressive nature of mixed martial arts and combat sports, setting the stage for an equally compelling year ahead.

The analysis of these developments, including Tsarukyan’s pivotal win, the intricacies of the lightweight title picture, and other significant bouts, formed the core discussion on a special Thanksgiving week edition of "Between the Links." MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew provided expert commentary, addressing audience questions throughout the program. The comprehensive discussion offered an in-depth look at the current state of combat sports and anticipated future trajectories. The full program remains available for viewing and listening on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.