Arman Tsarukyan is set to make his long-awaited UFC return next month. The premier lightweight contender last fought in April 2024, securing a win against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Earlier this year, Tsarukyan was expected to contend for the 155lb title against Islam Makhachev, but a last-minute complication caused him to pull out of the UFC 311 main event. UFC CEO Dana White has now unveiled the fighter Tsarukyan must overcome to earn another shot at the lightweight championship.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker Bout Confirmed
UFC CEO Dana White announced two major upcoming fights via Instagram Live on Wednesday. The main event for Doha, Qatar, on November 22, will feature Arman Tsarukyan against Dan Hooker. Dan `The Hangman` Hooker, who seemed to be losing his status as a top contender after a 1-4 streak from 2020 to 2022, has successfully reignited his career. He`s now on a three-fight winning streak, having defeated Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and Mateusz Gamrot. With this momentum, Hooker is potentially just one victory away from a championship clash with the highly-rated Ilia Topuria.
The co-main event in UFC Qatar will see former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad begin another pursuit of the title. Known as `Remember The Name`, Muhammad is slated to fight Ian Garry. This bout could potentially decide the next contender for the 170lb championship, which will be contested between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 on November 15.
Arman Tsarukyan Remained Active During UFC Hiatus
Since transitioning to grappling earlier this year, Arman Tsarukyan has amassed three wins. His recent grappling streak commenced in May at Karate Combat 54, where he defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov`s teammate, Makasharip Zaynukov, by outpointing him over five rounds. A few weeks later, Tsarukyan returned to the cage at ADXC 10, where he successfully submitted Bellator icon Patricky Pitbull with a rear-naked choke. His latest grappling victory, on September 19, involved him choking out former UFC champion Benson Henderson.
