UFC Fight Night in Qatar Card Headlined by Tsarukyan vs. Hooker
The expected UFC Fight Night card on November 22 in Qatar already has its main fight defined. The match between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker will lead the event, according to UFC CEO Dana White.
In addition, the co-main event will feature a welterweight clash, with Belal Muhammad facing Irish contender Ian Machado Garry.
This UFC Fight Night will be held in Al Rayyan, Qatar, marking the promotion’s first foray into the region. The agreement to bring an event to Qatar was announced in July.
Tsarukyan, with a record of 22-3, aspired to challenge Ilia Topuria for the lightweight championship. However, he will now need to secure his title opportunity with a victory over Hooker, who holds a record of 24-12. Tsarukyan had been in contention for the 155-pound title, along with Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
UFC has not yet revealed the next steps for Topuria.
Muhammad, with a record of 24-4, will make his first appearance since losing 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, with a record of 16-1, is close to his first title opportunity in UFC, with a record of 9-1 in the Octagon and a crucial victory over Carlos Prates in April.
