Dan Hooker Aims for Title Shot Against Ilia Topuria After UFC Qatar

DOHA, Qatar — Dan Hooker is ready for a shot at Ilia Topuria after his fight against Arman Tsarukyan on Saturday at UFC Qatar. This bout is being touted by UFC CEO Dana White as a potential No. 1 contender’s match.

Hooker, a seasoned lightweight fighter, expressed excitement at the stakes of the contest going into the octagon. ‘I kind of expected it,’ Hooker said. ‘That’s why I asked for this fight — to take Arman Tsarukyan out of the way.’ He emphasized the importance of this fight, explaining that a victory could lead him to a title shot.

The current UFC lightweight champion, Topuria, captured the title with a dramatic knockout over Charles Oliveira in June. Although Topuria has yet to defend his title, there are rumors he could fight early next year. His potential match against Paddy Pimblett has generated buzz in the MMA community due to the rivalry between the two fighters.

Hooker is cautious but optimistic about facing Topuria. ‘I feel like I match up well stylistically with Ilia,’ he said. ‘That’s obviously the fight that I want after this fight.’ He acknowledges Topuria’s impressive record and rise in the UFC but believes that everyone can be beaten.

Tsarukyan, Hooker’s opponent at UFC Qatar, is determined as well. He said, ‘If I perform very well against Hooker, and the UFC said, ‘Can you fight in January?’ I’ll take that fight right away.’ This shows the high stakes for both fighters in Saturday’s main event.

A win for Hooker could secure his place as the next challenger for the title, but he remains focused on the present moment. ‘I’ve got a huge test in front of me in Arman Tsarukyan,’ Hooker stated. ‘My focus is definitely on Arman at the moment.’

In a sport filled with uncertainty, Saturday’s fight carries the promise of opportunity and the thrill of competition.