Get ready for a night of adrenaline-pumping action because UFC Qatar’s ‘Fight Night’ card on November 22 is shaping up to be one of the most explosive events of the year—but there’s a catch. The main event features Arman Tsarukyan, the former UFC Lightweight contender who’s been on a rollercoaster ride lately, squaring off against Dan Hooker, the No. 7-ranked fighter with a chip on his shoulder. But here’s where it gets controversial: Tsarukyan’s last-minute withdrawal from UFC 311 earlier this year left fans and promoters scrambling. Now, he’s back, aiming to prove he’s title-worthy—but will Hooker’s three-fight win streak and hunger for redemption derail his plans? And this is the part most people miss: Hooker hasn’t fought since August 2024 due to a brutal hand injury. Is he fully recovered, or will rust play a factor? Will this fight even happen, or will pre-fight tensions boil over?
In the co-main event, former Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad faces off against rising star Ian Garry in a matchup that could redefine the division. Muhammad’s experience clashes with Garry’s momentum, making this a must-watch battle. But let’s not forget the rest of the card—it’s stacked with talent, including Volkan Oezdemir vs. Alonzo Menifield and Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Tagir Ulanbekov, ensuring fireworks from start to finish.
Today, the UFC unveiled the official promotional poster for the event, and it’s a visual knockout. Check it out below—it perfectly captures the intensity of what’s to come.
Tsarukyan (22-3) has been on a redemption arc since his UFC 311 withdrawal. Despite the setback, the 28-year-old stayed sharp by dominating grappling matches overseas, submitting legends like Patricky Pitbull and Benson Henderson. He even stepped in as a backup fighter for UFC 317, proving his dedication. But here’s the question: Has he done enough to earn a title shot, or is Hooker the real gatekeeper?
Hooker (24-12), meanwhile, is no pushover. ‘The Hangman’ returns after a year-long hiatus, riding a three-fight win streak with victories over heavyweights like Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner. At 35, he’s fighting to stay relevant in a division packed with young talent. Is this his last shot at glory, or will Tsarukyan’s rise continue uninterrupted?
Here’s the full UFC Qatar lineup as it stands:
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker
- Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Garry
- Volkan Oezdemir vs. Alonzo Menifield
- Jack Hermansson vs. Myktybek Orolbai
- Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Tagir Ulanbekov
- Aleksandre Topuria vs. Bekzat Almakhan
- Shamil Gaziev vs. Serghei Spivac
- Asu Almabayev vs. Alex Perez
- Rafael Cerqueira vs. Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev
- Felipe Lima vs. Daniel Marcos
- Ryan Loder vs. Ismail Naurdiev
- Marek Bujlo vs. Denzel Freeman
- Muhammad Naimov vs. Mairon Santos
- Nicolas Dalby vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev
This card is a fight fan’s dream, blending established stars with hungry contenders. But the real question is: Who will rise, and who will fall? Let us know your predictions in the comments—and don’t hold back on the controversial takes. Is Tsarukyan overrated, or is Hooker past his prime? The debate is open!
