Posted 2 hours ago. Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker targeted to headline UFC Qatar on November 22. I dont even know what to say. One day you are about to become a champion, then you fight #6 for some reason. Is this stupid? It is stupid. I dont know what UFC has offered Tsarukyan if this isnt fake and he has agreed to have a fight that won give him anything but +1 in record table. First Topuria will face Gaethji, than Pimblett, that is +1 year to wait for Tsarukyan.
I'd say this is good news for Arman. He hasn't fought in almost 1.5 years, so it's about time.After he (allegedly) missed weight in the scheduled Islam fight, it was made clear that he will not be getting another title shot straight away and will be forced to fight down.
Hooker is a really good pick for Arman. It could have been much worse. Dan will try to outstrike him, and Arman will try to outwrestle Dan, but it may not come so easily, as Hooker managed to earn a decision win over Mateusz Gamrot, who is probably a better wrestler than Arman.
It should be a really entertaining one. It's definitely better than just sitting idle.
Tsarukyan vs Hooker, I would have said that it is a step back for Tsarukyan, but instead I would say it is two steps back for him
Before sudden back issues Tsarukyan was considered as a possible champion. Now he is considered a guy who will beat Topuria. And instead he fights a guy who has lost most of his biggest fights, and his recent best achievement is a win over Gamrot (a split win btw). Puelles, Turner, they are not even in top, so a win against them does not count as cool And before them Hooker had losses.