Cheima Moufdil
Arman Tsarukyan, Dan Hooker, Belal Muhammad, and Ian Machado Garry are all set to chase championship contention when they step into the octagon at UFC Qatar.
Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan (22-3) headlines the Nov. 22 card against Dan Hooker (24-12) in a lightweight clash, while former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad (24-4, 1 NC) meets Ian Machado Garry (16-1) in the co-main event. Tsarukyan enters as the No. 2 lightweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, with Hooker at No. 7. In the welterweight division, Muhammad sits at No. 2 while Garry trails just behind at No. 6.
For Tsarukyan, this marks his return after a frustrating start to the year. He was slated to face Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311, but withdrew less than two days before fight night due to a back injury. He has since stayed active in grappling competitions, most notably submitting former UFC champion Benson Henderson in September.
Hooker makes his comeback after a long layoff caused by hand injuries. His last outing was a split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in Perth, a victory that reignited his title hopes before his time on the sidelines stalled momentum.
The co-main event carries major stakes for the welterweight division. Muhammad looks to rebound after losing his title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May. Meanwhile, Garry is on the rise again, bouncing back from his first professional defeat with a win over Carlos Prates, improving to 9-1 in the UFC.
UFC Qatar takes place on November 22 at Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, setting the stage for two pivotal clashes that could shape the future of both the lightweight and welterweight title pictures.