Doha:Arman Tsarukyan delivered one of the most dominant performances of his UFC career at Fight Night in Doha, submitting veteran contender Dan Hooker in the second round to emphatically stake his claim for a shot at the lightweight title. The Armenian standout improved to 23-3 with the victory, his fifth straight win, strengthening his case as the division’s next legitimate challenger.
Competing at ABHA Arena, Tsarukyan showcased world-class grappling and relentless pressure, securing takedowns in both rounds before seamlessly transitioning into an arm-triangle choke at 3:44 of Round 2, forcing Hooker to tap.
Speaking after the win, Tsarukyan made his intentions crystal clear — he wants reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria next, and he wants him soon.
“There is only one No. 1 contender, and it’s Arman Tsarukyan,” he said in the Octagon.
“I’m ready at the end of January. Send me the contract, and I’ll be there.”
Topuria, who captured the vacant lightweight belt by defeating Charles Oliveira in June, has not fought since and is weighing several options for his first title defense. Besides Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje have been mentioned as potential challengers.
The Spanish-Georgian champion has also hinted at ambitions beyond lightweight, expressing interest in eventually moving up again to face Islam Makhachev—possibly at welterweight.
Meanwhile, Makhachev recently stated he is more focused on defending his title against former welterweight king Kamaru Usman, even as welterweight rising star Machado Garry continues to surge in the rankings.
Tsarukyan’s blistering performance, however, may now be too strong for the UFC to ignore as the race for Topuria’s first title defense heats up.
