Qatar will host a UFC event for the first time in the country’s history, scheduled for November 22.
The fight night takes place at the ABHA Arena in Doha, marking a significant global milestone for the MMA organisation.
Qatar will be the third country in the Middle East to host a UFC event, following the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
But, this particular occasion will be even more anticipated as the headliner and co-main event have been confirmed.
Main Event: Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker
A Lightweight bout that promises to be exciting between two contenders who are now just a fight away from a title shot.
Tsarukyan was meant to fight for the 155-pound championship at UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev, but pulled out due to injury.
Since then, he has competed in three grappling matches outside of the UFC, winning all of them.
Thus, the reason why he hasn’t been awarded the title opportunity against Ilia Topuria just yet.
The Armenian became a top contender when he knocked out Beneil Dariush at UFC Austin in December 2023.
The #2 contender then defeated Charles Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300 to claim his shot at title glory.
However, ‘Ahalkalakets’ has not fought an MMA contest since, as fans have waited enough for his appearance.
Tsarukyan now has the chance to prove why he is at the top of the division, as well as deserving of the Lightweight belt.
Hooker was scheduled to face Justin Gaethje earlier this year at UFC 313, but he had to withdraw due to injury.
‘The Hangman’ last fought at UFC 305, where he was triumphant in a super close and entertaining battle against Mateusz Gamrot, winning by split decision.
The New Zealand mixed martial artist has not been a fan of Tsarukyan, posting toxic messages on social media.
Now he gets the chance to go face-to-face with a Georgia-born fighter in the Octagon.
The #6 contender has been in this position before, but it wasn’t something he realised at the time.
The 35-year-old suffered a knockout loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 257, who would go on to fight for the vacant title against Oliveira at UFC 262.
With a three-fight win streak and an entertaining fighting style, it’s an opportunity that the fan-favourite has finally got after so long.
While the Armenian may be the betting favourite for this title eliminator, you cannot rule out Hooker in this matchup.
Co-Main Event: Belal Muhammad vs Ian Machado Garry
Another fight which could be viewed as a title eliminator, this time in the division above at Welterweight.
Muhammad lost the title in his last fight, suffering an unanimous decision loss against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315.
It was a surprising defeat that knocked him off his 11-fight unbeaten streak.
Now he has to work harder to regain the 170-pound throne against another promising contender.
‘Remember The Name’ has countless credible wins in his UFC career, despite not having many finishes.
He has collected the names of Leon Edwards, Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, Stephen Thompson, and Demian Maia.
The Palestinian has never received back-to-back losses in his MMA career, losing four times after 29 bouts.
A dominant or convincing win in Doha could give Muhammad the chance to fight for Welterweight gold again.
Garry has been on a rollercoaster in his last two battles, taking both of those contests on short notice.
The first came at UFC 310, where he faced his former teammate, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and lost by unanimous decision. The first loss of his professional career.
However, the Irishman did redeem himself at UFC Kansas City, defeating Carlos Prates by unanimous decision, surviving a late scare in the fifth round.
But now, he has a fully prepared opportunity which he must take advantage of as he finally faces a former champion.
‘The Future’ became a promising prospect since his UFC debut, but it wasn’t until UFC 285 that he became the real deal.
The #6 contender’s comeback knockout win over Song Kenan proved worthy of fighting for a place in the rankings.
Since then, Garry has defeated Daniel Rodriguez, Neil Magny, Geoff Neal and Michael ‘Venom’ Page.
Both men are eager to secure the championship opportunity and establish a strong position for title contention.