Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker to Headline UFC Event in Qatar
The highly anticipated matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker will headline the UFC Fight Night on November 22 in Qatar, according to UFC CEO Dana White.
Additionally, former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will face Irish contender Ian Machado Garry in the co-main event.
The UFC Fight Night will be held in Al Rayyan, Qatar, marking the promotion’s first event in the region. The agreement to bring an event to Qatar was announced in July.
Tsarukyan (22-3) was aiming to challenge Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight championship, but now he will need to secure his title opportunity with a victory over Hooker (24-12). Tsarukyan was in contention for the 155-pound title alongside Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
UFC has not yet announced the next steps for Topuria.
Muhammad (24-4) will make his first appearance since he ceded his 170-pound title to Jack Della Maddalena in May.
The 37-year-old fighter had sought a match against former champion Kamaru Usman, but will instead face Garry. Garry (16-1) is on the verge of getting his first title opportunity in the UFC, with a 9-1 record in the Octagon and is coming off a crucial five-round victory over Carlos Prates in April.
