TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker will fight in the main event at UFC Qatar on November 22, 2025, to determine the next lightweight title challenger
- Tsarukyan hasn’t fought in 589 days since beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, but has completed three training camps in 2025
- Jorge Masvidal predicts Tsarukyan will have an easy fight due to superior speed and wrestling, while Hooker needs to make it a “dirty” fight to win
- Tsarukyan holds a 22-3 record with a four-fight win streak, while Hooker is 24-12 with three straight wins
- The lightweight division has changed since Tsarukyan’s last fight, with Ilia Topuria now champion after Islam Makhachev moved to welterweight
Arman Tsarukyan will return to the octagon after more than 19 months when he faces Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar on November 22, 2025. The five-round fight at ABHA Arena in Doha will determine the next lightweight title challenger.
Tsarukyan last fought at UFC 300 in April 2024, where he earned a split decision victory over Charles Oliveira. The 29-year-old contender has been sidelined due to injuries and scheduling changes. He was supposed to fight for the title at UFC 311 in January but got injured.
The top-ranked lightweight prepared as a backup fighter in June, completing a full training camp and weight cut. This upcoming bout marks his third training camp of 2025. “I haven’t fought in a long time, but this is camp No. 3 for this year,” Tsarukyan said.
Hooker enters the fight as the betting underdog but brings momentum with three consecutive wins. His most recent victory came via split decision over Mateusz Gamrot. The New Zealand fighter was scheduled to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 earlier this year but had to withdraw.
Tsarukyan has posted a 9-1 record in the UFC since losing his promotional debut to Islam Makhachev in 2019. That first fight earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors. His current four-fight winning streak has solidified his position as the number one contender.
Jorge Masvidal, Tsarukyan’s longtime teammate at American Top Team, shared his prediction for the fight. “I think Arman can make it an easy fight,” Masvidal told Nina Marie Daniele. “He’s a little faster on the feet, very explosive, can get easy takedowns on [Hooker] and can control him.”
Division Landscape Has Changed
The lightweight division looks different than when Tsarukyan last competed. Islam Makhachev moved up to welterweight and now holds that title. Ilia Topuria claimed the vacant 155-pound belt by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June.
Tsarukyan expressed disappointment about the changes at lightweight. “I wish Islam stayed in our division, because he doesn’t run from the fight,” he said. He criticized Topuria for seeking easier matchups instead of fighting top contenders.
The Armenian fighter remains focused on becoming champion himself. “I know I’m the best and [proving] it just takes time,” Tsarukyan stated. A dominant performance against Hooker would position him for a title shot in early 2026.
Fight Strategy and Predictions
Tsarukyan believes his wrestling will be the deciding factor. “I think my level of wrestling is a different level and I can maul him on the ground,” he said. He acknowledged Hooker’s improvements in defensive wrestling but considers himself superior in that area.
Masvidal offered advice for Hooker’s path to victory. “I think Hooker’s gonna have to make it dirty,” he said. “Arman’s more of a pretty boy, stay outside, clean. I think Hooker’s gonna have to make it a war to beat him.”
Hooker welcomed the challenge of facing a favored opponent. “This is the fight that I wanted because I feel like it’s a guy that everyone thinks is gonna beat me,” he told CombatTV. “That’s what I want. I want the toughest test.”
The two fighters have exchanged words on social media for years. Tsarukyan has accused Hooker of avoiding fights and being injury-prone. Hooker has responded with threats of violence and comments about his opponent’s background.
Extended Training Camp Benefits
Tsarukyan’s long absence from competition gave him unusual time to develop his skills. He has spent approximately 19 months training and improving rather than just maintaining fitness between fights. “I feel my body is getting better every day and I learned some new techniques,” he said.
The extended preparation period allowed him to add new elements to his game. “I’m not in my prime yet because every camp, I’m getting better,” Tsarukyan explained. He views this fight as an opportunity to showcase his current level.
Tsarukyan plans to start cautiously in the five-round fight. “I’m gonna try to get my distance, feel what he wants to do, find my range,” he said. He wants to mix boxing, wrestling, and kicks in the first round to adjust to being back in the octagon.
The number one contender predicts a finish in the later rounds. “In the third round, I’ll try to finish him,” Tsarukyan said. “Maybe the second round.” The fight card marks the UFC’s first event in Qatar.
