TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan headbutted Dan Hooker during the ceremonial weigh-in face-off before UFC Qatar on November 22
- UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard quickly separated the fighters before the situation escalated further
- Hooker was not injured and responded by saying “I love it, bring it on” after the headbutt
- Tsarukyan was previously fined $25,000 and suspended nine months for striking a fan at UFC 300
- Dana White stated Tsarukyan must fight his way back to a title shot after pulling out of UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev
The ceremonial weigh-in for UFC Qatar turned physical when lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan headbutted opponent Dan Hooker during their final face-off. The incident occurred on stage after both fighters successfully made weight for their main event bout scheduled for November 22.
As the two fighters approached center stage for their staredown, Hooker made a small feint toward Tsarukyan. That movement triggered an immediate response from the Armenian fighter, who lunged forward and delivered a headbutt to Hooker’s face.
UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard rushed between the fighters to prevent further escalation. Security personnel helped separate the two men before any additional contact could occur.
Hooker did not appear injured from the headbutt. The New Zealand fighter embraced the confrontation, telling cameras “I love it, bring it on” seconds after the incident.
History of Confrontations
This is not Tsarukyan’s first physical altercation outside the octagon. At UFC 300, he struck a fan while walking to the cage before his fight against Charles Oliveira.
That incident resulted in a nine-month suspension and a $25,000 fine. He also engaged in a physical dispute with Bobby Green during UFC Austin fight week in late 2023.
The headbutt comes at a time when Tsarukyan is trying to secure another title opportunity. He pulled out of a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury.
UFC President Dana White made his position clear after that withdrawal. “He’s not getting a title shot. That means he’s going to have to fight his way back to the title,” White stated.
Title Shot Aspirations
Tsarukyan has expressed interest in fighting Ilia Topuria, who currently holds both the featherweight and lightweight championships. White reportedly prefers a matchup between Topuria and Justin Gaethje for the star power it would bring.
The weigh-in incident appears to be Tsarukyan’s attempt to generate attention and convince White to grant him a title shot. After headbutting Hooker, Tsarukyan said “I’m gonna show great knockout and gonna get my title next.”
The buildup to the fight featured intense trash talk from both fighters. Hooker told Sky Sports that he believes people overrate Tsarukyan’s abilities compared to his own.
“I don’t like that his face is attached to his body. Would love to separate the two,” Hooker said about his opponent. He also called Tsarukyan a “rich little spoiled kid,” referring to his father being a millionaire business owner.
Tsarukyan acknowledged those comments but downplayed the personal nature of the rivalry. “He can talk whatever he wants. It’s just business. It’s just fighting,” Tsarukyan said. He added that he doesn’t need money right now and only wants the championship belt.
This will be Tsarukyan’s first fight in over a year. His last appearance was against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. The UFC Qatar main event between Tsarukyan and Hooker is scheduled for November 22.
