Overview

• UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the Tsarukyan vs. Hooker main event at UFC Qatar is a No. 1 contender bout with a title shot at Ilia Topuria on deck.
• Dan Hooker warned he would strike Tsarukyan if they cross paths during fight week, while White said the promotion does not plan extra security for trash talk.
• Arman Tsarukyan drew criticism after telling Ariel Helwani his mother will stay home because it is a “man’s sport,” a remark echoed alongside past controversies involving comments about Kayla Harrison.
• Tsarukyan dismissed Hooker’s threats as posturing and said he expects strong in-person support in Doha, noting his father will attend and that travel is easier for fans from Russia and Armenia.
• The lightweight contender argued he is the only fighter who can beat Topuria and accused the UFC of steering the champion away from him, as he returns from a year disrupted by a late back injury withdrawal from UFC 311 and a backup role at UFC 317.