Doha: UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker has fired explosive shots at Arman Tsarukyan ahead of their UFC Qatar main event, calling him a “mouthy little rich pr*ck” and vowing to break his title ambitions on Saturday night.
Hooker says his rivalry with Tsarukyan began years ago when the rising contender publicly discredited his skills. But what annoys him most, he says, is Tsarukyan’s privileged upbringing.
“He’s a rich, spoiled kid who’s had everything handed to him,” Hooker said. “I’m the working man. He’s Richie Rich.”
The New Zealander also warned that he won’t hesitate to respond if Tsarukyan tries any pre-fight aggression, referencing Tsarukyan’s past altercation with Bobby Green.
Inside the cage, Hooker promises to meet the wrestler head-on.
“If he wants to grapple or wrestle, good. We’ll both get tired, and he’ll get tired first.”
The stakes are massive — UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed the winner gets the next lightweight title shot in 2026.
Hooker says he asked the UFC for this matchup for one reason: “Please let me get rid of this guy.”
The rivalry reaches its boiling point this Saturday in Qatar.
