Arman Tsarukyan Edges Dan Hooker in Lightweight Contender Clash at UFC Qatar

On November 22, 2025, Lusail Sports City Arena in Lusail, Qatar, hosted UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker, the promotion’s inaugural event in the Gulf nation, where Arman Tsarukyan secured a unanimous decision victory (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) over Dan Hooker in a grueling lightweight headliner. Tsarukyan, the Armenian grappling phenom, controlled 7:10 of the fight with takedowns and ground control, landing 58 of 102 significant strikes (57% accuracy) to outlast Hooker’s striking volume. Hooker, the Kiwi knockout artist, landed 52 of 98 strikes (53%) and rocked Tsarukyan in Round 2, but couldn’t secure a finish, dropping to 24-13. The 15,000-strong crowd, a blend of Qatari locals and international MMA fans, erupted as Tsarukyan’s resilience shone, chanting “Ar-man!” in the opulent arena. Airing live on ESPN+ PPV at 10:00 p.m. ET, this main event, part of a card featuring local hero Khamzat Chimaev vs. Roman Kopylov, delivered a potential Fight of the Night, with X posts like @UFC tweeting, “Tsarukyan survives Hooker’s bombs—title shot locked!” This top-15 bout positioned Tsarukyan as the next lightweight challenger, while Hooker’s heart kept him in the division’s mix.

Fight Overview

The Tsarukyan vs. Hooker main event anchored UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker’s main card, a 12-fight pay-per-view event kicking off with prelims at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and the main card at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. Slated for around 10:00 p.m. ET, the three-round bout served as a title eliminator for the lightweight division, with the winner eyeing Islam Makhachev’s belt at UFC 328. Tsarukyan, the -220 favorite (BetMGM), entered with a 9-1 UFC record, while Hooker, at +180, aimed to cap his resurgence with an upset. X hype was feverish, with @MMAJunkie tweeting, “Tsarukyan’s wrestling vs. Hooker’s chin—Qatar’s debut delivers chaos,” and @BestFightPicks predicting a “decision war with 2.5+ takedowns.” Lusail Sports City Arena’s 15,000 fans, fueled by Qatar’s fight-week festivities like fan expos at Aspire Park and cultural showcases at Souq Waqif, created a vibrant atmosphere. Fan predictions split 58% for Tsarukyan’s control and 42% for Hooker’s power, per @SkyBet polls, with the event marking UFC’s expansion in the Middle East.

Arman Tsarukyan: The 29-year-old from Yerevan, Armenia, entered with a 22-3 record (9-2 UFC), including 9 knockouts and 5 submissions. Standing at 5’7” with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox fighter is a grappling machine, averaging 3.5 takedowns per fight with 4.8 significant strikes per minute (UFC Stats). His 2025 decision over Charles Oliveira showcased his cardio, landing 55% of strikes. Trained at American Top Team, X clips show Tsarukyan drilling transitions with Dustin Poirier. @MMAFighting notes, “Tsarukyan’s a title-ready beast—versatile and tough.”

Dan Hooker: The 35-year-old from Auckland, New Zealand, carried a 24-12 record (14-9 UFC), with 10 knockouts. At 6’0” with an 80-inch reach, the orthodox striker’s 5.2 significant strikes per minute and 75% takedown defense (UFC Stats) highlight his durability. His 2025 KO of Rafael Fiziev capped a three-fight streak. Training at City Kickboxing, X footage shows Hooker sharpening sprawls with Israel Adesanya. @BetsMMAX tweets, “Hooker’s +180 odds scream upset—his chin’s granite.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The Qatari crowd roars as Tsarukyan opens with a jab, circling Hooker’s long reach. Hooker counters with a low kick, but Tsarukyan shoots for a double-leg at 1:30, securing top control for 2:00 and landing elbows. Hooker scrambles up, landing a knee, but Tsarukyan’s pressure dominates, landing 20 of 35 significant strikes to Hooker’s 12 of 28 (UFC Stats). @UFC scores it 10-9 Tsarukyan, tweeting, “Arman’s takedown sets the pace early.”

Round 2: Hooker starts aggressively, landing an overhand right at 0:45 that wobbles Tsarukyan, drawing gasps. Tsarukyan recovers, clinching for a takedown at 1:50, controlling for 1:30 with ground-and-pound. Hooker rises, firing a body kick, but Tsarukyan’s volume edges it, landing 18 of 32 strikes to Hooker’s 20 of 38. @CagePulseUFC calls it 10-9 Hooker, noting, “Dan’s power shines, but Arman survives.”

Round 3: Trailing, Hooker presses, landing a head kick, but Tsarukyan’s single-leg at 1:00 grounds the fight. Tsarukyan transitions to back control, threatening a choke, but Hooker defends. Tsarukyan lands 20 of 35 strikes to Hooker’s 20 of 32. @SherdogX scores it 10-9 Tsarukyan, tweeting, “Arman’s control seals the deal—Qatar classic!”

Key Moments and Impact

• Tsarukyan’s Takedowns: His 3 takedowns and 7:10 control time neutralized Hooker’s striking, landing 58 of 102 significant strikes (57%) to Hooker’s 52 of 98 (53%). @MMAVibeX tweeted, “Arman’s wrestling is elite—title shot earned.”
• Hooker’s Second-Round Right: His overhand rocked Tsarukyan, showing danger, with @BetsX365 noting, “Dan nearly stole it.”
• Third-Round Back Control: Tsarukyan’s positioning won the round, per @FightFanX: “Arman’s composure wins wars.”
• Fan Reaction: Lusail’s 15,000 fans chanted for Hooker’s heart, with X splitting 55% for Tsarukyan (@UFC_Europe: “Arman’s next in line”) and 45% for Hooker (@showtimebets67: “Dan’s unbreakable”).

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

In his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Tsarukyan called for Islam Makhachev, stating, “Rematch time—let’s finish it.” His 10th UFC win, including a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus, vaults him to No. 1 contender. His 3.5 takedown average and 57% striking accuracy highlight his growth, though Hooker’s power tested his chin. @TheAthleticMMA: “Tsarukyan’s ready for gold.”

Hooker, gracious in defeat, told ESPN, “Arman was tougher than expected—I’ll be back.” His 24-13 record keeps him top-15, with X suggesting a rebound vs. Rafael Fiziev. @maniacbetsmma: “Hooker’s a warrior—still dangerous.” Lightweight heats up, with Tsarukyan eyeing Makhachev at UFC 328.

Event Context and Lusail Atmosphere

UFC Qatar dazzled with Chimaev’s submission of Kopylov and a KO by Muhammad Mokaev. Prelims featured a decision by Farid Basharat. Lusail’s 15,000 fans, amid Aspire Park expos and Souq Waqif dinners, created vibrant vibes. @UFC tweeted, “Qatar’s debut is fire!” 60% finish rate and ESPN+ PPV success marked a milestone.

What’s Next?

Tsarukyan targets Makhachev at UFC 328; Hooker faces Fiziev in January. Tsarukyan’s decision cements his rise, with title dreams next.

Tsarukyan vs. Hooker on November 22, 2025, saw Arman Tsarukyan outlast Dan Hooker via unanimous decision, his grappling control and 57% striking accuracy dominating the eliminator. Lusail’s electric roar and stacked card amplified the stakes. As Tsarukyan eyes Makhachev and Hooker rebounds, this defines lightweight’s future.