Arman Tsarukyan chokes out Dan Hooker with tight triangle choke in second round. The UFC made history on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with its first-ever event in Qatar, UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker, held at the ABHA Arena in Doha. The main event featured a highly anticipated lightweight clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker, two fighters with contrasting styles and rich MMA careers.
Arman Tsarukyan, a formidable presence in the UFC’s lightweight division, has amassed a professional record of 22 wins and 3 losses 9 by knockout, 5 by submission, and 8 by decision. Tsarukyan has demonstrated explosive finishes, including a first-round TKO over Beneil Dariush. He also earned a TKO victory over Joaquim Silva and a unanimous decision win over Damir Ismagulov, highlighting his ability to grind through all three rounds when needed. Despite his momentum, Tsarukyan has faced setbacks that have shaped him into a seasoned competitor. His early-career KO loss to Alexander Belikh, a decision loss to Islam Makhachev, and a unanimous decision defeat against Mateusz Gamrot provided crucial lessons that helped refine his striking and grappling.
Dan Hooker, a UFC veteran known for his toughness and well-rounded striking, brings a professional record of 24 wins and 12 losses into the Octagon. His victories include 11 by KO/TKO, 7 by submission, and 6 by decision, demonstrating his ability to adapt and finish fights in multiple ways. Hooker has notable wins over fighters like Mateusz Gamrot, whom he defeated by split decision at UFC 305, and Claudio Puelles, who fell to a body-kick TKO. His career has not been without challenges, including losses to Arnold Allen by TKO, Islam Makhachev by submission, and Michael Chandler via TKO, all underscoring the high level of competition he has faced throughout his career.
The two touched gloves and got straight to work. Dan Hooker opened the fight with a leg kick, and Arman Tsarukyan tried to fire one back, but Hooker caught the kick and nearly dumped Tsarukyan to the canvas. Tsarukyan responded by pressing Hooker against the cage and hunting for a takedown, but Hooker defended well. They returned to the center of the Octagon, trading leg kicks and punches. Tsarukyan eventually secured a takedown, and although Hooker tried to scramble free, Tsarukyan ended up in the dominant position. Hooker struggled on the ground as they locked legs and worked for control. Every time Hooker tried to escape, Tsarukyan dragged him back down and landed punches. Hooker remained on the mat until the end of Round 1.
Round 2 kicked off fast, with both fighters exchanging punches and leg kicks right away. Tsarukyan shot for another takedown and got it again. As soon as Hooker hit the mat, he tried to scramble out, but Tsarukyan dragged him right back and landed a few clean shots that had the crowd reacting loudly.
Hooker attempted to defend, but Tsarukyan kept advancing. He passed into side control, landed a sharp elbow, then moved to full mount. Tsarukyan locked in a tight head-and-arm choke, and after fighting it, Hooker was forced to tap. It was a near-perfect performance from Tsarukyan. Hooker faded under the pressure and eventually tapped, bringing the fight to an end in R2, 3:34.
“Feeling great. Thank Dan because of him, I fought this year,” Tsarukyan said afterwards. “Only guy who wanted to fight me. Ilia, if you’re here, come on. There is just one contender No. 1. It’s Arman Tsarukyan. Everybody knows I’ve got to fight for the title. I’m ready. End of January, send me contract, I’ll be there.” “Nobody can stop me in the cage. I’m the best in the world and I’m going to be a champion. I work so hard, so smart, I dedicate all my life for this sport and it pays off this day.” Arman Tsarukyan said in the post fight interview.
