Overview

• Hooker vs. Tsarukyan headlines UFC Qatar on November 22 in Doha in a pivotal lightweight matchup.
• Hooker escalated the pre-fight rhetoric by calling Tsarukyan a “lippy little rich kid” and questioning his access to family-funded, high-priced training camps.
• He warned of a possible confrontation during fight week, citing long-building bad blood over perceived disrespect.
• Hooker said he took a fight many avoid, framing Tsarukyan as the division’s toughest test, and enters on a three-fight streak capped by a split decision over Mateusz Gamrot.
• Tsarukyan said he is tired of waiting for a title shot, vows a quick finish of Hooker, and plans to call for a championship opportunity in January or February after previously withdrawing from a scheduled bout with Islam Makhachev.