UFC Qatar: Two Lightweights Collide with Title Stakes on the Line
The Lightweight Division was turned on its head this year when long-time champion Islam Makhachev decided to vacate his title and attempt to become a double champion. Now, two of the top Lightweights who have been eagerly waiting to put their name in the hat as the next challenger for the newly crowned champion Ilia Topuria take center stage for the main event of UFC Qatar. Second ranked Arman Tsarukyan is taking on sixth ranked Dan Hooker, which could have drastic implications for who fights for the title next. Can Arman make a statement against one of the Lightweights' best, and will Hooker continue his impromptu climb towards a title shot?
Arman Tsarukyan looked like the perfect match to dethrone Islam Makhachev if there was one. His grappling and wrestling ability will give him the best chance out of anyone in the division. However, a back injury resulted in him pulling out of his opportunity to show the world last year. Since then, he has been trying to secure a fight to gain another shot at the title, but it has been challenging to come by. He's returning to the octagon against Dan Hooker, and stylistically, this is the perfect match for him to get a dominant victory and call his shot at Topuria, whom he has been beefing with for quite some time now. Hooker has never been a skilled wrestler, and in most of his losses, he was taken down and controlled. However, he showed against Mateusz Gamrot that he can survive challenging ground adversity and still have enough to pull out the victory. Unlike Gamrot, Arman possesses solid striking and power that warrant respect, and he also boasts elite-level grappling, complementing his wrestling. If he can close the distance early, he will be able to get his hands locked and take Hooker for a ride. Once the fight hits the ground, I can see an early-round stoppage taking place, solidifying Tsarukyan as the next opponent for Topuria.
Dan Hooker shocked the world last year when he was able to pull off a dramatic upset of Gamrot and secure a top-five ranked number next to his name. He was then scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje, but had to pull out due to injury. Hooker has elite-level striking and can finish anyone at 155 on the feet. He has a chin made of granite and has overcome adversity time and again, somehow finding a way to come out on top. In terms of fighting styles in the top five, this would be the most difficult challenge Hooker could have taken. That's just who he is, though, so you shouldn't expect anything less. I'm not sure if he still has any momentum from the win he had a year ago, but if his confidence is still at that level, he could pull off an upset. You never wanna count out the 'Hangman', especially when every fight begins standing. If he can withstand the early pressure and grappling that undoubtedly is going to come his way, then he has a chance at wearing on the gas tank of Arman and slowly being able to pick him apart, and perhaps finding the knockout shot.
This fight was a blockbuster announcement that many fans were not anticipating. Two fighters who were slowly becoming forgotten get a headline opportunity with a lot riding on who comes out victorious. This fight could go in many different ways, with a plethora of possibilities; however, whichever way it goes, you won't want to miss it, along with all the other action from UFC Qatar. The card will take place Saturday, November 22nd, with a main card start time still to be determined.
