Tsarukyan Takes On Hooker in a Big Lightweight Clash

Tsarukyan VS Hooker

Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker headline this weekend’s UFC Fight Night in a high-stakes lightweight showdown. Tsarukyan, currently ranked No.1, is chasing UFC gold, but first must take on No.6-ranked Dan Hooker. Hooker has rebuilt momentum with recent victories and now seeks one more breakthrough performance before challenging for the lightweight belt. This title eliminator takes place on the 22nd of November, live from the ABHA Arena in Qatar.

An Unfinished Climb For Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan enters this Fight Night main event as one of the most complete and well-rounded lightweights in the UFC. With nine wins by knockout, five wins by submission and eight wins by decision, his record shows a rare balance. He can win a fight on the feet, on the ground or anywhere in between.

Even so, the Armenian’s climb toward UFC gold has felt stop-and-start. Earlier this year, he was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev for the Lightweight Championship, a matchup many believed would begin a new era in the division. However, a last-minute injury forced him out and collapsed months of momentum.

As a result, this bout against Dan Hooker becomes Tsarukyan’s second straight title eliminator. He already won the last one in a competitive fight with Charles Oliveria, yet he still has not received a title shot. As a result, this fight carries significant emotional weight. Once viewed as a future champion, Tsarukyan now finds himself proving his worth all over again, both to the UFC and to himself.

​​Hooker’s Resurgence and Physical Edge

On the other side stands Dan Hooker, a veteran enjoying a career resurgence. After setbacks and injuries, Hooker rebuilt himself through experience, grit and a renewed sense of purpose.

At six feet tall, Hooker brings a clear height and reach advantage. Consequently, those physical tools could disrupt Tsarukyan’s usual pressure-heavy style. Hooker’s long jab, sharp elbows and precise knees in the clinch make him a serious threat to anyone who depends on close-range wrestling.

Even though Tsarukyan’s pace and grappling may wear Hooker down later in the fight, the Kiwi’s striking and counter-timing make him extremely dangerous early. 

Ultimately, this matchup becomes more than a battle for rankings. It is a clash between a surging contender searching for validation and a seasoned veteran fighting to prove he still belongs among the elite.

A Fight with Real Consequences

For Tsarukyan, a victory would almost guarantee another shot at the Lightweight Championship and help silence any remaining debate about whether he is the rightful heir to the division.

For Hooker, a win would revive his long career and finally give him the opportunity to chase UFC gold again. Furthermore, it would complete a comeback few believed possible after his earlier setbacks.

In the end, it may not be a numbered pay-per-view card, but this Fight Night still carries huge meaning. It represents a chance for redemption, recognition and a new chapter for whoever leaves the octagon with their hand raised.

Below, you can watch the UFC’s Full Fight Marathon, showing some of Tsarukyan’s and Hooker’s recent fights: