“I just want to punch him in the face”: Arman Tsarukyan on his upcoming fight with Dan Hooker

Armenian UFC fighter and PARI brand ambassador Arman Tsarukyan gave a detailed interview to Championat, where he discussed his grappling achievements, meeting with Vladimir Putin, friendships with other UFC fighters, and more.

Tsarukyan’s next opponent in the UFC will be New Zealander Dan “The Hangman” Hooker, currently ranked #7 in the lightweight division. Their fight, scheduled for November 22, will headline the Fight Night event in Doha. Arman admitted that he feels strong dislike toward his rival but wants to settle everything inside the cage. He also believes Hooker doesn’t have the skills to back up his trash talk.

“I don’t like Hooker as a person. I think he’s rotten. I just want to punch him in the face. I’ll try to let all that emotion out in the cage, not before the fight. He’s one of those guys who talks too much but doesn’t back it up,” Tsarukyan said.

Arman also criticized Benoît Saint-Denis, claiming the Frenchman was afraid to face Charles Oliveira and hid behind “respect” as an excuse.

“It’s just a circus. How can you refuse a fight like that? He knows he’s out of shape and looks for excuses. When the UFC calls and says, ‘It’s your chance,’ you take it. He knows he could lose. Saint-Denis simply isn’t on Oliveira’s level,” Tsarukyan said.

Tsarukyan also revealed that he has recently developed a friendly relationship with Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning UFC middleweight champion. “Borz” is expected to be one of Arman’s cornermen in his next fight.

“He said he’ll be in my corner for the next fight if he’s not competing himself. That’s what friends are for — to support each other. Khamzat is a great guy; he really helps his friends and teammates. He doesn’t show it online, but he gives cars and apartments to people close to him,” Tsarukyan shared.