After many words exchanged between them in recent months, lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker will clash at UFC Fight Night 265 in what UFC CEO Dana White has called a title eliminator.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker preview
Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) hasn’t competed since edging out Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. He was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 in January, but withdrew just a day before the fight. That prompted UFC CEO White to say Tsarukyan will have to fight again before getting another shot at the title.
Meanwhile, Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) has also been on the sidelines after fracturing his hand ahead of his scheduled bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 in March. His most recent win came over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 last August, and he has since been aggressively calling Tsarukyan out.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker odds
According to DraftKings, Tsarukyan, No. 3 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, is a -340 favorite to solidify another title shot against No. 10-ranked Hooker, who is a sizeable +270 underdog.
How to watch Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265
Where: Doha, Qatar
Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+
When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
