Overview
- UFC debuts in Doha on Nov. 22 with Tsarukyan vs. Hooker in a scheduled five-round main event at Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena, streaming on ESPN+.
- Tsarukyan, the No. 1 lightweight contender returning from a 19‑month layoff, calls the bout a title-or-bust moment and says he would accept a January turnaround if offered a shot.
- Betting lines and numerous pro-fighter picks heavily favor Tsarukyan, with many citing his wrestling and grappling as decisive advantages.
- Hooker used media day to slam recent rankings—highlighting Paddy Pimblett’s rise—and argued the surest path to Topuria’s belt is to beat the division’s top contender.
- Fight week theatrics included Tsarukyan’s viral training clip that briefly concussed a coach, a near hotel run‑in with Topuria after Tsarukyan vowed to choke him out, and comments praising Islam Makhachev’s willingness to face contenders.