Arman Tsarukyan Clashes With Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar Weigh-Ins

UFC Qatar will take place on November 22, the organization’s first-ever event in the country. Final preparations in Doha ended with high tension as lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and his opponent Dan Hooker faced off during the official weigh-ins on Friday evening.

The staredown between the two main event fighters quickly escalated. Both men had successfully made weight and stepped forward for their last faceoff before fight night. During the moment, Hooker began “aggressively bouncing,” a move that appeared to irritate Tsarukyan.

The Armenian fighter then moved in close and “struck Hooker with a headbutt.” Officials immediately separated the fighters and brought the situation under control. The incident was resolved on the spot, ensuring that the matchup will proceed as scheduled inside the octagon. Tsarukyan and Hooker will headline UFC Qatar in a five-round lightweight bout. The winner is expected to move closer to a title shot, making this one of the most important career moments for both athletes.

For Tsarukyan, who is one of the most prominent Armenian fighters on the global MMA stage, this fight is seen as a critical step toward a future lightweight championship opportunity.

The historic event will take place at ABHA Arena.

• Prelims begin at 10 AM ET / 6 AM Los Angeles

• Main card starts at 1 PM ET / 9 AM Los Angeles

• The main event is expected at around 11:30 PM Moscow / 12:30 PM Los Angeles

This is the UFC’s first event in Qatar, bringing international attention to the region’s expanding combat sports scene. After the heated weigh-in, anticipation for the Tsarukyan–Hooker fight is even higher. The final outcome will be decided inside the cage on November 22.

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