Tsarukyan Submits Hooker at UFC Qatar: Full Fight Results and Lightweight Title Implications

UFC Qatar: Main Event Results and Immediate Impact

In a pivotal lightweight clash that headlined the UFC’s return to the Middle East, Arman Tsarukyan delivered a dominant performance, defeating veteran Dan Hooker via submission in the second round at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Doha, Qatar. The event, held on a Saturday afternoon, solidified Tsarukyan’s position as a top-tier contender in the stacked 155-pound division.

The victory for Tsarukyan (now 23-3) was decisive, showcasing his elite grappling skills against the durable New Zealander. After controlling the first round with superior wrestling, Tsarukyan secured an arm-triangle choke early in the second, forcing Hooker (now 23-13) to tap out at the 1:47 mark.

This result immediately answers the primary search intent for fans: Who won the main event? Tsarukyan won, and he did so in convincing fashion, signaling his readiness for the division’s elite.

The Lightweight Showdown: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker Breakdown

The anticipation for this main event stemmed from the clear stylistic clash: Hooker’s dangerous, long-range striking against Tsarukyan’s relentless, high-pressure wrestling. Tsarukyan, however, managed to neutralize Hooker’s offense almost entirely.

Round 1: Tsarukyan initiated the grappling exchanges early, securing a powerful takedown within the first two minutes. He maintained top control for the majority of the round, utilizing short, sharp ground-and-pound while constantly threatening positional advances. Hooker struggled to create space or return to his feet, expending significant energy defending.

Round 2: The end came swiftly. Tsarukyan closed the distance quickly, securing a body lock and dragging Hooker back to the canvas. Transitioning seamlessly, he locked in the tight arm-triangle choke. Hooker fought valiantly but was forced to concede the fight, demonstrating Tsarukyan’s high-level finishing ability.

“I came here to make a statement, and I think I did that,” Tsarukyan stated in his post-fight interview. “Hooker is a legend, but the lightweight division belongs to the next generation now. I want the title shot next.”

Complete UFC Qatar Fight Card Results

For fans seeking the full outcomes from the Doha event, here is the complete breakdown of the main card and preliminary results, detailing the method of victory for every bout.

Co-Main Event and Key Main Card Outcomes

While Tsarukyan’s performance stole the headlines, the rest of the main card delivered high-stakes action, particularly in the co-main event.

Whittaker Edges Costa in Middleweight Grinder

The co-main event saw former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker secure a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over the powerful Paulo Costa. The five-round battle was a technical affair, with Whittaker utilizing superior movement and volume striking to outpoint Costa, who relied heavily on powerful, singular shots.

The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Whittaker, who successfully navigated Costa’s aggressive pressure, maintaining his status among the division’s elite contenders.

Pavlovich Delivers First-Round Destruction

In a highly anticipated heavyweight clash, Sergei Pavlovich continued his terrifying run of first-round finishes by stopping Curtis Blaydes. Known for his wrestling pedigree, Blaydes was unable to implement his game plan as Pavlovich overwhelmed him with blistering power shots. The referee stepped in at 3:08 of Round 1 after a barrage of unanswered punches, cementing Pavlovich as a primary threat to the heavyweight title.

Rakhmonov Maintains Undefeated Streak

Welterweight sensation Shavkat Rakhmonov extended his perfect professional record by defeating Geoff Neal via TKO in the third round. Rakhmonov demonstrated his versatility, weathering Neal’s early aggression before breaking him down with precise striking and a final flurry of strikes that forced the stoppage. This win keeps Rakhmonov’s record pristine and his finishing rate at 100%.

Implications for the Lightweight Division

Tsarukyan’s victory over a ranked opponent like Hooker is not just another win; it is a direct challenge to the top of the lightweight hierarchy. With the title picture currently focused on the champion and the immediate top contenders, Tsarukyan has placed himself firmly in the conversation for a future title eliminator or even a direct shot, depending on the timeline of the current champion.

Key Takeaways from the Lightweight Main Event:

• Title Contention: Tsarukyan has now defeated multiple high-caliber opponents, making a title shot in 2025 highly probable.
• Grappling Dominance: The ease with which Tsarukyan controlled and submitted Hooker confirms his status as one of the most dangerous grapplers in the division.
• Hooker’s Future: Despite the loss, Hooker remains a fan favorite and a gatekeeper for the top 10, but he will need to regroup against slightly lower-ranked opposition to rebuild momentum.

Key Takeaways

This UFC Qatar event delivered on its promise of high-stakes matchups and definitive finishes, significantly impacting three major divisions.

• Arman Tsarukyan secured the most important win of his career, submitting Dan Hooker in Round 2 and demanding a title opportunity at lightweight.
• Sergei Pavlovich reinforced his claim as the most dangerous knockout artist in the heavyweight division with another swift TKO.
• Robert Whittaker proved his consistency and technical prowess by outpointing Paulo Costa over five rounds in the middleweight division.
• The card featured a high percentage of finishes, with four of the seven main card bouts ending before the final bell.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

UFC Qatar served as a crucial stepping stone for several rising stars, most notably Arman Tsarukyan. His performance against Dan Hooker was a masterclass in controlled aggression and elite grappling, demonstrating the necessary skills to compete for the lightweight championship. As the UFC calendar progresses through 2025, all eyes will be on the lightweight division to see if Tsarukyan can secure the title shot he has earned, potentially setting up a rematch with the current champion or a high-profile title eliminator against another top contender.