Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker reportedly targeted for UFC Qatar

Tsarukyan will have to win at least one more fight before earning another title shot, according to UFC CEO Dana White. A win over Hooker would be a huge boost to his resume, which includes recent wins over Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush.

As for Hooker, this marks his first fight since a win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 last year. He was scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 earlier this year before withdrawing due to a hand injury.

Hooker’s win over Gamrot propelled him into the Top 5 of the lightweight division and is on the verge of a title shot. He’s earned recent victories over Jalin Turner and Claudio Puelles.

The Tsarukyan vs. Hooker matchup could potentially play a huge role in determining UFC lightweight champ Ilia Topuria’s first title defense. Topuria faced off with Paddy Pimblett after winning the then-vacant title at UFC 317 earlier this summer.

The November 22nd UFC Fight Night event marks the promotion’s first card in Qatar. The full card is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.