UFC Qatar

UFC Qatar: Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker + Belal Muhammad vs Ian Garry via mmauk.net

Fresh off an iconic UFC 322 card in New York City, the UFC makes history once again with its first-ever live event in Qatar. This is undoubtedly the most stacked fight night card in recent memory, so let’s dive into the main and co-main events.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker

In the main event, Arman Tsarukyan makes his long-awaited return against Dan Hooker.

Tsarukyan returns to the octagon for the first time since UFC 300, back in April of 2024.

It’s safe to say that the relationship between Tsarukyan and the UFC is tension-filled. Tsarukyan was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev in a highly anticipated rematch for the lightweight championship, but just two days out of the contest, he pulled out due to injury.

Typically, when a fighter pulls out, the UFC is forgiving. This was not the case here. Dana White voiced his displeasure with Tsarukyan’s decision, indicating that there may have been more to the story. Fans instantly speculated. Could Tsarukyan not make weight? Was he injured, but still fit enough to fight? Did his team get involved?

Regardless of circumstance, the UFC made it clear that Tsarukyan would have to earn his way back to a title shot, and this is the first step.

Tsarukyan possesses a well-rounded skillset, arguably the most balanced fighter in the UFC. He is coming off a close decision victory over Charles Oliveira; however, any victory over Oliveira warrants serious recognition. Tsarukyan was, and still is, the clear number one contender in the lightweight division, and with a win on Saturday, he will be guaranteed a title shot.

On the other side stands a fan-favourite fighter, who brings chaos and violence every time he steps in the cage.

Dan Hooker is in the midst of a career resurgence. He was once a young, talented prospect who nearly reached the pinnacle of the sport. But following several consecutive losses, Hooker found himself on the brink of retirement.

After returning to the lightweight division, after a brief stint at featherweight, Hooker has found his stride. He’s coming off back-to-back victories over Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot, and he now once again finds himself one fight away from title contention.

He enters the contest a heavy underdog, but one thing fans have learned is that Dan Hooker can never be counted out.

Tactically, Hooker pretty much summed up the fight for fans on media day:

“If my feet are on the ground, it’s good. If my feet are in the air, it’s bad.”

Hooker wants to keep the fight standing, believing he can outlast Tsarukyan and turn it into a bloody war.

On the other side, Tsaruykan needs to make a statement. Coming in as the heavy favourite, a win won’t be enough. He needs to put on a spectacular performance and ultimately remind fans why he could be a future champion.

Whoever comes out of this fight victorious will, in all likelihood, find themselves in a lightweight title fight. The stakes are high, and one of these athletes will have to rise to the occasion.

Belal Muhammad vs Ian Garry

The co-main event is a clash of the present versus the future.

Belal Muhammad is looking to remind the world why he is still one of the best welterweights on the roster. The former champion is coming off a loss to Jack Della Maddalena, and Muhammad promises to avenge that defeat.

After winning the title, Muhammad looked destined for a dominant title reign, and his surprising loss has fans wondering if his heart is still in the game.

On the other side stands the future personified.

Ian Garry, a brash, cocky Irishman, finds himself in the exact spot he told the world he’d be in.

Outside of his one loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Garry has exemplified dominance. He surgically picks apart opponents with his size and skill, blending his elite striking with improved grappling.

Training out of the Chute Box Academy in Brazil, Garry has found a permanent home. Having now developed an incredible ground game, Garry is a threat no matter where the fight goes.

Tactically, Muhammad will have to get back to what he does best. He needs to mix in his striking and wrestling, maintaining unpredictability, keeping Garry guessing.

On the other hand, Garry needs to keep the fight on his feet. Despite his well-roundedness, his striking skills are what brought him to the big stage. Couple that with his massive frame for the 170-pound division, and Garry will need to manage distance effectively, picking Muhammad apart from range, and finding the finishing blow.

For Muhammad, he has to stay on the front foot. If he’s unable to pressure Garry, and the fight turns into a point-for-point battle, Muhammad will struggle. He needs to get Garry against the fence and overwhelm him in the clinch.

The welterweight division is deeper than ever, but, as with the main event, if one of these fighters makes a statement, they may find themselves challenging new champion, Islam Makhachev, for the title.