On November 22, 2025, UFC fans will witness an exciting night of mixed martial arts as the promotion makes its debut in Qatar with UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker. Set at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, this event marks the third time a Middle Eastern country has hosted a UFC event, following successful events in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The card promises thrilling matchups with a headlining lightweight bout between Armenia’s Arman Tsarukyan and New Zealand’s Dan Hooker.
The Main Event: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker
The main event pits two experienced lightweights known for their aggressive styles and toughness. Arman Tsarukyan, with a professional record of 22-3, has impressed fans and analysts alike with his technical striking and grappling skills. He boasts impressive statistics, including a highly significant strike accuracy and relentless pace inside the Octagon. Opposing him is Dan Hooker, a seasoned competitor with a 24-12 record, known for his striking power and resilience. Hooker, who fights with a switch stance, brings experience and versatility into this critical fight for lightweight contention.
The buildup to the fight has been intense, featuring a tense faceoff where Tsarukyan even headbutted Hooker, adding fuel to what promises to be a war in the cage. Both fighters are motivated to prove their claim for a future title shot, making this clash pivotal in the division.
Key Undercard Bouts
Supporting the main event is a strong undercard, including notable fights such as welterweights Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry, and a light heavyweight clash between Volkan Oezdemir and Alonzo Menifield. Fans can also expect an interesting heavyweight matchup with new UFC signee Denzel Freeman taking on Marek Bujło. Additionally, the flyweight division features a high-profile bout between former challenger Kyoji Horiguchi and Tagir Ulanbekov.
A Night of Firsts for UFC
UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker marks UFC’s historic first event in Qatar, reflecting the sport’s global growth and the Middle East’s rising significance in the MMA world. The event will be broadcast worldwide, with prelims starting early for US audiences and the main card scheduled to captivate fans with live action across multiple weight classes.
Expectations and Impact
This event offers immense implications for UFC’s lightweight division. A Tsarukyan victory could propel the Armenian closer to a title shot, while Hooker’s win would rejuvenate his contender status. The intense rivalries and evolving careers of fighters featured on this card make UFC Fight Night in Qatar a must-watch for MMA enthusiasts.