Arman Tsarukyan defeated Dan Hooker by choke submission and became the UFC lightweight title contender

Armenian UFC fighter and No. 1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan (23–3) scored an impressive victory at UFC Qatar on November 22, finishing New Zealander Dan Hooker (24–13) with a choke submission in the second round. The win guaranteed Tsarukyan the right to fight for the lightweight championship belt.

From the very beginning, Tsarukyan demonstrated his superiority: he confidently took the first round, pushing a high pace and dominating in grappling exchanges. In the second five-minute frame, Arman increased the pressure and midway through the round managed to lock Hooker in a choke, bringing the fight to a logical conclusion.

This convincing victory became another confirmation of Tsarukyan’s rapid rise. Right after the fight, he publicly demanded an immediate matchup with the reigning champion Ilia Topuria, stating that he is ready to take the title.

In Tsarukyan’s corner for this fight was Khamzat Chimaev, and among the supporters were top Armenian athletes Artur Aleksanyan, Arsen Harutyunyan, Malkhas Amoyan, and others.