The UFC lightweight division faces a pivotal moment this Saturday as Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker headline UFC Fight Night in Doha, Qatar. Both fighters are not only looking to secure a victory but also aim to position themselves for a future title shot against the reigning lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. This high-stakes bout carries significant implications for their careers and the division’s hierarchy.
Arman Tsarukyan, with a professional record of 22 wins and 3 losses, views this fight as a crucial step in his redemption journey. His trajectory toward a lightweight title shot took a major blow at UFC 311 when he was forced to withdraw from a championship bout against Islam Makhachev due to a back injury. The withdrawal not only cost him the immediate title opportunity but also led UFC President Dana White to declare that Tsarukyan would have to “earn another crack at gold.” Since that setback, Tsarukyan has worked diligently to repair his standing, even serving as a backup fighter for the Topuria vs. Oliveira matchup. Confident in his skills and accomplishments, Tsarukyan believes he is rightfully the number one contender in the lightweight category.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Tsarukyan emphasized his credentials. He pointed out that compared to Hooker, he has faced tougher competition and emerged victorious, suggesting that Hooker has squandered his chances against top-tier fighters such as Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev, and Michael Chandler. “If you compare our skills and who I fought and beat, I’m in the right spot. That’s why I’m the No. 1 contender,” Tsarukyan asserted. His statement underscores his belief that this fight is not just another bout but a defining moment that will secure his position as the next challenger for Topuria’s lightweight crown.
On the opposite side of the octagon, Dan Hooker enters the fight with a determined mindset to disrupt the expected order. Hooker, who holds a record of 24 wins and 12 losses, has been outspoken about his desire to jump ahead of other contenders in the division. He actively campaigned for this fight against Tsarukyan, convinced that many top contenders were hesitant to face him due to the risks involved. Hooker is entering this fight as a significant underdog, but a victory could catapult him into the spotlight and potentially earn him a title shot against Topuria.
Hooker’s confidence extends beyond his desire for the fight; he believes that Tsarukyan is the most skilled lightweight in the division, even more so than the current champion. “He had no choice but to fight me,” Hooker told CBS Sports. “I knew that, looking at the division. I knew no one between him and me would take the fight. It’s too risky. They have a good excuse because he pulled out of his title fight in the last five minutes with a sore back. So the champ Ilia has a good excuse not to face him.” Hooker’s comments highlight the trepidation among other contenders to engage with Tsarukyan, amplifying the stakes of this matchup.
Beyond the main event, the co-main event also carries significant implications within the UFC’s welterweight division. Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad faces off against rising star Ian Machado Garry. Both fighters are eager to make a statement, especially after recent highlight-reel knockouts by other contenders Michael Morales and Carlos Prates at UFC 322. Muhammad and Garry have exchanged sharp words leading up to their fight, further intensifying anticipation.
Muhammad, known for his grappling prowess, outlined his game plan in an interview with MMA Junkie. “I’m going to grab hold of him, I’m going to take him down, then I’m going to let him back up, just because I’m going to show him, ‘I could take you down if I want to.’ Then I’m going to outbox him because he said he could outstrike me,” Muhammad said. He underscored his intent to finish the fight standing, aiming to remind fans and critics of his skill and tenacity.
Garry responded to Muhammad’s comments with skepticism and bravado. Speaking to CBS Sports, he challenged Muhammad’s claim, asserting, “That sounds like someone who can’t hold me down... If you get me down, keep me down. Try that.” Garry further suggested that Muhammad