After a one-year hiatus away from the octagon, Arman Tsarukyan (22-3) will make his anticipated return when he takes on Dan Hooker in the headliner of UFC Fight Night Qatar on Saturday. In April 2024, Tsarukyan defeated Charles Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300. He was set for a rematch against then-undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, in January. However, a back injury sustained in training camp forced him to withdraw from the fight.
The native of Akhalkalaki, Georgia, seeks to get back into title contention with a victory over Hooker. This can put him in position for a title shot against the reigning undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria.
“It means everything for me,” Tsarukyan told MMA Fighting. “If I lose, I lose everything. If I win, I win everything as well. So, this is like a title fight for me. It’s five rounds, main event. I must win and get my title fight. It’s an important fight for me. And that’s why I’m very focused on this fight.”
However, rumors around Topuria’s next opponent have pointed to another contender at 155 pounds: Paddy Pimblett.
Topuria’s next opponent narrowed down to Tsarukyan or Pimblett?
Pimblett has emerged as one of the most exciting competitors at lightweight. In April 2025, he defeated Michael Chandler by TKO in the third round at UFC 314. The English native has won seven consecutive fights since his UFC debut in 2021, along with five stoppage victories.
Pimblett also has bad blood with Topuria, which makes a grudge match very compelling. After a verbal altercation between the two turned physical in June, it seemed a matchup was already in the works.
“The Baddy” is ranked No. 5 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings, while Tsarukyan holds the No. 1 spot in the division. Although there are several questions around Pimblett’s level of opposition. Tsarukyan was also critical of Pimblett’s resume and stated that he doesn’t deserve a title shot. “Akhalkalakets” also revealed that Pimblett is still very much in the picture for a fight against Topuria.
“The UFC wants Paddy for sure,” said Tsarukyan. “They’re going to see how it plays out this Saturday. And then they’re going to figure out who is fighting (Topuria). It’s Paddy or me.”
