In the main event of UFC's inaugural Fight Night in the Gulf nation, Arman Tsarukyan secured a victory via arm-triangle choke in round two, moving him one step closer to a title shot.

Arman Tsarukyan is declared the winner in his bout against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar on 22/11. Photo: Yahoo Sports

From the outset, the Armenian fighter fought tactically, mindful of Hooker's reach advantage. He patiently waited for his opponent to strike, then capitalized on openings to take the fight to the ground. After a minute of striking exchanges, Tsarukyan pulled Hooker into a clinch, applying constant pressure.

Hooker escaped the clinch but was immediately stunned by a heavy knee. Tsarukyan seized the opportunity to unleash a series of accurate hand strikes, forcing his opponent to retreat and defend. Though Hooker attempted a guillotine, Tsarukyan easily countered it and ended round one in a dominant side control position.

In round two, Hooker attempted to change the momentum with liver kicks. However, Tsarukyan's first takedown brought the fight back to the ground, an area where the Armenian fighter was completely superior. He continuously controlled position and delivered a series of ground-and-pound strikes before finishing the fight with an arm-triangle choke, forcing Hooker to tap out.

"Thank you, Dan Hooker, he was the only one who dared to accept a fight with me", Tsarukyan declared after the bout, also issuing a challenge to new lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. "I am the number one contender; there's no one else in the lightweight division. Everyone knows I deserve a title shot. Send the contract, I'm ready".

Arman Tsarukyan defeats Dan Hooker with an arm-triangle choke in round two.

This marks Tsarukyan's first fight since defeating Charles Oliveira in Las Vegas in 4/2024.

Tsarukyan comes from an affluent family, a stark contrast to the common "rags-to-riches" narrative often seen in MMA. He has been a professional MMA fighter since 2015, starting at 18 years old, and currently holds a record of three losses and 23 wins, including 9 knockouts.

Ian Garry is declared the winner by decision over Belal Muhammad.

Also at UFC Qatar yesterday, Ian Garry won by decision over Belal Muhammad, opening the door to a potential clash with new welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

This result presents a difficult challenge for UFC in the welterweight division. Michael Morales is rising strongly, while President Dana White had promised Carlos Prates a title shot if he defeated Leon Edwards by knockout, which Prates successfully accomplished.

Makhachev now faces three young, highly motivated opponents, all eager for the biggest opportunity of their careers.

Hong Duy