The UFC Qatar Fight Night is set for a lightweight fireworks display as the No. 1 ranked Arman Tsarukyan returns from a two-year layoff to face the hard-hitting veteran, Dan Hooker. In a pivotal main event that could determine the next contender for Ilia Topuria’s throne, Tsarukyan’s elite wrestling collides with Hooker’s dangerous striking in a classic UFC stylistic clash.
UFC Qatar Fight Preview: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker
This UFC Qatar main event is a quintessential grappler versus striker matchup with massive implications for the top of the division. Arman Tsarukyan (22-3) last fought in April 2024, earning a split decision over Charles Oliveira in a bout that cemented him as the division’s top contender. After a long wait, he finally returns to defend that status.
Standing across the octagon is Dan Hooker (23-12), a battle-tested veteran on a three-fight win streak. Known for his durability and lethal stand-up game, ‘The Hangman’ has the tools to derail the Tsarukyan hype train and insert himself back into the title conversation.
Tsarukyan’s Path to Victory: The Ground Game
There is no mystery to Tsarukyan’s strategy for UFC Qatar. His key to victory is closing the distance and implementing his dominant wrestling. He will look to pressure Hooker against the cage, chain together takedown attempts, and smother him with top control and ground-and-pound. If Tsarukyan can consistently get the fight to the mat, he will be in full control.
The critical factor will be his ability to negate Hooker’s significant 7-inch reach advantage. If he can’t get inside safely, he’ll be a sitting target for Hooker’s sharp counter-striking.
Hooker’s Path to Victory: Keep it Standing
Hooker’s game plan for UFC Qatar is simple in theory but difficult in execution: keep the fight standing at all costs. Using his long jab and punishing leg kicks, he must maintain distance and make Tsarukyan pay for every takedown attempt. Hooker has devastating knees and elbows in the clinch, which could be a crucial weapon if Tsarukyan gets lazy with his entries.
His recent victories have shown improved takedown defence, but Tsarukyan represents the highest level of wrestler he has faced in years. Hooker needs to be defensively perfect for 25 minutes.
UFC Qatar: X-Factors and Prediction
- The Layoff: Has the two-year break allowed Tsarukyan to evolve, or will he show ring rust against an active opponent at UFC Qatar?
- Hooker’s Chin: Can ‘The Hangman’ still absorb damage against a powerful, grinding opponent like Tsarukyan?
- Five Rounds: The championship distance favours the grappler. Tsarukyan’s pressure may wear Hooker down in the later rounds.
UFC Qatar Prediction: While Hooker is always a live underdog with his punching power, Tsarukyan’s relentless wrestling should be the difference. Look for Tsarukyan to weather an early storm, secure takedowns, and grind out a late-round TKO or a clear unanimous decision.
How to Watch UFC Qatar
UFC Qatar Main Card Start Time:
- 6:00 PM GMT (UK on TNT Sports)
- 1:00 PM ET (US on ESPN+)
UFC Qatar Prelims Start Time:
- 3:00 PM GMT (UK on TNT Sports)
- 10:00 AM ET (US on ESPN+)
Don’t miss this pivotal lightweight clash at UFC Qatar that will shape the future of the division. The winner is almost guaranteed a title shot against champion Ilia Topuria.
