Arman Tsarukyan left Qatar with a clear message for the lightweight division. After ending Dan Hookers night at the Abu Dhabi Arena in Doha and strengthening his position as the top contender, Tsarukyan set his attention toward champion Ilia Topuria and called for a championship fight as early as January.
The event took place during the UFC visit to Qatar, where Tsarukyan pushed his winning streak to five and displayed the kind of form that has made him one of the most serious threats at 155 pounds. His submission victory over Hooker arrived after weeks of heated exchanges between the fighters, but the tension disappeared the moment the contest ended. During his interaction with Hooker afterward, Tsarukyan emphasized respect rather than rivalry.
“I just said, ‘This is just the game, this is business,’ Tsarukyan said. “‘I do not have anything personal to you. You are the man. You are the only guy that would fight with me. If you did not take this fight, I would not be here. Thank you.’ Really, it was only one guy that would fight me, Dan Hooker. I said thank you to him because of the experience, money, attention, everything.”
Tsarukyan says January is plenty of time
At the post fight media session, Tsarukyan did not hesitate when asked if he would be willing to return in January for the UFC debut card with Paramount. He explained that the quick turnaround is not a concern.
“Of course, of course,” Tsarukyan told reporters. “I can rest one week, fly to the U S and stay there two months. It is enough time to get ready. I did not get any injury, thank God. They have to say that. Hopefully on Tuesday they announce the fight, me fighting main event vs. Topuria, whether it is going to be in Las Vegas or Los Angeles. I have to take that chance. I have plenty of time to get ready.”
Arman, every time we see each other in person you freeze up like a scared duck with no idea what to do. You know I handle you however I want. I fight whoever the UFC chooses. And remember I slapped you and you just laughed, then you go around acting like a gangster. So keep… pic.twitter.com/1O9S3PKOU1
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 23, 2025
Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to challenge for the belt back in January at UFC three hundred eleven before withdrawing the day prior due to a back issue. Renato Moicano stepped in and later lost to Islam Makhachev.
The Armenian contender believes the timing now lines up perfectly. With rumors of Topurias next defense falling in the same month, Tsarukyan sees an open lane to take what he feels is already his position.
Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje have been pushing for an opportunity of their own, yet Tsarukyans performance in Qatar and the clarity of his callout might separate him from the pack. His victory over Hooker added to an already strong stretch that includes wins over some of the divisions toughest competitors.
Even with his focus on the belt, Tsarukyan has also kept an eye on the long term. He mentioned that facing larger middleweights in the gym, including Gregory Rodrigues at Kill Cliff in Florida, reminds him that moving up in weight will happen eventually but not anytime soon.
For now, Tsarukyan insists the lightweight belt is the only thing that matters. With January approaching and the UFC preparing its first event with its new broadcast partner, he hopes the champion will accept. Whether the promotion aligns those plans remains uncertain, but Tsarukyan made sure the world heard the message loud and clear.
