Arman Tsarukyan’s Title Quest Continues: Dana White Reveals Upcoming Opponent and Fight Details

Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is set to return to the UFC octagon next month, marking his first fight since a decisive victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024.

Tsarukyan was initially slated for a championship bout against Islam Makhachev for the 155lb title earlier this year, but a last-minute complication prevented his participation in the UFC 311 main event. UFC CEO Dana White has since announced the opponent Tsarukyan must overcome to secure another opportunity at the lightweight title.

Arman Tsarukyan to Face Dan Hooker in Key Lightweight Clash

During an Instagram Live session on Wednesday afternoon, Dana White unveiled two significant upcoming matchups. Headlining the event in Doha, Qatar, on November 22, will be Arman Tsarukyan squaring off against Dan Hooker.

Dan `The Hangman` Hooker seemed to be fading from the top contender ranks following a challenging 1-4 record between 2020 and 2022. However, he has since revitalized his career, securing three consecutive victories against Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and Mateusz Gamrot. This resurgence places him potentially one win away from a coveted title shot against the formidable Ilia Topuria.

The UFC Qatar co-main event will feature former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad embarking on his renewed quest for the title. Muhammad, known as `Remember The Name`, is scheduled to clash with Ian Garry in a bout that could determine the next challenger for the 170lb strap, following the Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev fight at UFC 322 on November 15.

Tsarukyan Remains Active During UFC Hiatus with Grappling Victories

To stay active during his time away from the UFC octagon, Arman Tsarukyan has been competing in grappling, accumulating three impressive victories this year. His grappling streak began in May at Karate Combat 54, where the 28-year-old secured a five-round decision win against Makasharip Zaynukov, a teammate of Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Weeks later, at ADXC 10, Tsarukyan submitted Bellator veteran Patricky Pitbull with a rear-naked choke. Most recently, on September 19, Tsarukyan added another notable win to his grappling record, rendering former UFC champion Benson Henderson unconscious with a choke.