Arman Tsarukyan dominated Dan Hooker with a second-round submission at UFC Qatar, making a strong case for a title shot against lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Arman Tsarukyan made a bold statement, claiming he should be next for lightweight champ Ilia Topuria. After dominating Dan Hooker in the UFC Qatar main event, he’s got everyone’s attention.
Despite a long break due to an injury that cost him a title shot in January, Tsarukyan showed no signs of rust. He was relentless, landing solid strikes, including a knee that shook Hooker early on.
Once the fight hit the ground, it was clear Tsarukyan had the upper hand. He unleashed brutal punches and elbows, eventually securing an arm triangle choke for the win at 3:34 in the second round.
“Feeling great. Thanks to Dan for the fight,” Tsarukyan said afterward. “Ilia, if you’re here, come on. I’m the No. 1 contender. Everybody knows I’ve got to fight for the title. I’m ready.”
“Nobody can stop me in the cage. I’m the best in the world and I’m going to be a champion,” he declared, emphasizing his dedication to the sport.
In the opening round, a takedown attempt by Tsarukyan was blocked, but he countered with a massive knee. Hooker wobbled, and Tsarukyan followed up with a clean combination.
Hooker managed to recover, attempting a guillotine choke in the clinch. Tsarukyan scrambled out, ending up on top, raining down elbows and setting up submissions.
Round two saw Hooker try another guillotine, but Tsarukyan ended up on top again. He unleashed vicious ground and pound, looking to finish the fight.
The onslaught continued, with Tsarukyan moving into mount and pounding away. Spotting an opening, he locked in the arm-triangle choke.
With a vice-like grip, Tsarukyan tightened the submission until Hooker tapped out. Tsarukyan’s unstoppable streak continues, adding another ranked fighter to his resume.
While signs point to Topuria defending against Paddy Pimblett in early 2026, Tsarukyan made a compelling case for his own title shot. Whether it’s early next year or later, Tsarukyan looks poised to challenge Topuria’s reign.