"There's a reason that, after what seems like years of back-and-forth talk, Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker are finally facing off at this Saturday's UFC Qatar. "He's the only one who said yes from deserving fighters," Tsarukyan (22-3) stated during Wednesday's UFC Qatar media day. "I was supposed to fight with [Justin] Gaethje as well, he said 'no,' but Hooker said 'yes'.""
"Tsarukyan allowed that "The Hangman" is "a good fighter, good striker," but added that "I'm on a different level." Either way, he believes that, with a win over the #6-ranked Dan Hooker, it's on to a title fight, after letting one slip through his fingers at the start of 2025 after pulling out of a rematch with Islam Makhachev. "Yeah for sure. I beat Dan Hooker, I'm fighting for the title next," stated the Armenian."
Arman Tsarukyan will face Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar after Hooker accepted while other top contenders declined. Tsarukyan is currently the UFC lightweight #1 and believes a victory over the #6-ranked Hooker secures a title shot. He called Hooker a good striker but said he is on a different level. Tsarukyan withdrew from a rematch with Islam Makhachev earlier in 2025, costing him a title opportunity. Ilia Topuria may move to welterweight, but Tsarukyan says he will fight whoever holds or earns the lightweight belt, including Gaethje, Pimblett, Holloway, or Oliveira.
Read at Cageside Press
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