Tsarukyan Takes Control Early and Earns a Clear Finish
Arman Tsarukyan delivered a strong performance at UFC Qatar on November 22, 2025. He defeated Dan Hooker with an arm triangle choke at 3:34 of round two.
Tsarukyan opened the fight with steady pressure and quick footwork. He scored clean entries and forced Hooker to retreat often. As the second round began, he changed levels and secured a smooth takedown. He then advanced to a dominant position and tightened the choke until Hooker tapped.
This victory meant a great deal to Tsarukyan. Earlier in the year, an injury stopped his path to a title shot. However, this win places him back among the top names in the lightweight division. It also strengthens his case for a future title eliminator.
Garry Outpoints Muhammad in Tactical Co Main Event
Ian Machado Garry earned an important win against Belal Muhammad. He took a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
Garry controlled the range from the start. He moved well, landed sharp strikes and prevented Muhammad from building momentum. As the rounds passed, Garry grew more confident. His accuracy and timing kept Muhammad from turning the fight around. Because of this win, Garry now sits closer to the top of the welterweight rankings.
Finishes Across the Card Boost Rising Contenders
Several fighters on the main card delivered impressive stoppages.
First, Volkan Oezdemir knocked out Alonzo Menifield only 1:27 into round one. He landed a clean knee, followed by precise punches that ended the fight.
Next, Myktybek Orolbai knocked out Jack Hermansson with a right hand at 2:46 of round one. The punch landed behind the ear and dropped Hermansson instantly. This result gave Orolbai a major push in the welterweight division.
Then Kyoji Horiguchi submitted Tagir Ulanbekov with a rear naked choke at 2:18 of round three. His calm approach and clean technique guided him to the finish.
Finally, Waldo Cortes Acosta knocked out Shamil Gaziev at 1:22 of the first round. His power once again proved difficult to handle.
UFC Qatar 2025 Main Card Summary
| Fight | Result |
|---|---|
| Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker | Tsarukyan wins by arm triangle choke at 3:34 of round 2 |
| Belal Muhammad vs Ian Machado Garry | Garry wins by unanimous decision 30 27, 30 27, 29 28 |
| Volkan Oezdemir vs Alonzo Menifield | Oezdemir wins by knockout at 1:27 of round 1 |
| Jack Hermansson vs Myktybek Orolbai | Orolbai wins by knockout at 2:46 of round 1 |
| Tagir Ulanbekov vs Kyoji Horiguchi | Horiguchi wins by rear naked choke at 2:18 of round 3 |
| Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Shamil Gaziev | Cortes Acosta wins by knockout at 1:22 of round 1 |
What Tsarukyan’s Win Means for the Division
Tsarukyan’s finish in Doha gives new shape to the lightweight title picture. He showed confidence, power and control from the start. Because of that, he now stands near the front of the contender line.
Hooker remains a respected veteran. Although he could not match Tsarukyan’s pace on the ground, he still holds value in future matchups.
Across the card, several fighters created new momentum. Garry’s measured victory, Oezdemir’s quick finish, Orolbai’s breakthrough knockout, Horiguchi’s submission win and Cortes Acosta’s heavyweight power all set up fresh storylines for 2026.
