Arman Tsarukyan’s long-awaited UFC comeback fight will take place next month.
The number one lightweight contender hasn’t fought since outpointing Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024.
Arman Tsarukyan was supposed to face Islam Makhachev for 155lb gold earlier this year, but a last-minute issue forced him out of their UFC 311 main event.
UFC CEO Dana White has now revealed who the Armenian must beat to earn another lightweight title shot.
Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker confirmed
Dana White took to Instagram Live to announce two big fights on Wednesday afternoon.
First up, he confirmed that Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker will headline in Doha, Qatar, on November 22.
‘The Hangman’ appeared to be done as a top contender after going on a 1-4 run between 2020 and 2022.
Hooker has got his career back on track with three straight wins over Claudio Puelles, Jalin Turner, and Mateusz Gamrot.
Now, he is potentially just one more win away from fighting pound-for-pound phenom Ilia Topuria for MMA’s ultimate prize.
In the UFC Qatar co-main event, former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will begin his second title charge.
‘Remember The Name’ is set to square off against Ian Garry in a fight that could decide who gets the next crack at the 170lb belt after Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev battle for it at UFC 322 on November 15.
Arman Tsarukyan stayed busy during his UFC layoff
Arman Tsarukyan has recorded three wins since transitioning to grappling earlier this year.
Tsarukyan’s recent submission grappling run started with a win over Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate.
The 28-year-old outpointed Makasharip Zaynukov over five rounds at Karate Combat 54 in May.
A few weeks later, Tsarukyan choked out a Bellator legend in his cage return at ADXC 10.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Patricky Pitbull tapped out when he was caught in a rear-naked choke.
Tsarukyan’s latest grappling victory saw him choke former UFC champion Benson Henderson out cold on September 19.
