A pair of dynamic lightweights will meet in Qatar on November 22, 2025, in the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs Hooker, also listed as UFC Fight Night 265. It is the first bout for both fighters in 2025, and the stakes are very high. The event promises a clash of styles, as striking power meets wrestling pressure, with the intention of impressing enough to earn a title shot. Here is a detailed Tsarukyan vs Hooker fight analysis, including fighter records, past performances, and what makes this fight particularly interesting.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’h1TUnC6yRzlfa3Y7wzbiqQ’,sig:’oY8-4mzXLqhq2DD6PfG71mBRhhB3TPu95i4pkVuTdKk=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2247797955′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});Arman Tsarukyan: Background, Record & Fighting Style
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’wGW8wNDVTWduqvlcc1PXKA’,sig:’ee8VKSO4SCM-8nRwOOmcvUq1FQDL_PS3AZf12jceczg=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2247797919′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});Arman Tsarukyan record is quite impressive. He enters this bout with an impressive professional record of 22-3. According to fight-stat sources, he has secured 9 wins by knockout and 5 by submission, showing his versatility and finishing ability.
Tsarukyan has been a part of UFC since 2019, and his first fight was a remarkable clash with Makhachev that earned “Fight of the Night” status. He has only lost once since then and has won four straight fights.
At only 29, he is considered a serious contender chasing Topuria’s championship belt in the lightweight division. He has shown great takedown offense in previous fights, averaging more than three takedowns in fifteen minutes in certain bouts. He is renowned for his grappling and wrestling prowess as well as his ability to slow down opponents who would prefer to fight standing up.
The Armenian fighter’s recent form has been strong. He has won several fights in a row and is once again a contender for the title. Notably, he was set to fight against then-champion Makhachev this past January at UFC 311, but had to withdraw due to a back injury. He hasn’t fought since. Although he did check in competently as the backup fighter at UFC 317, Tsarukyan vs Hooker will be his first bout since a split decision victory over Charles Oliveira in April 2024.
Dan Hooker: Background, Record & Fighting Style
Dan Hooker brings a wealth of experience into this lightweight showdown. He enters the UFC November 22, 2025 fight with a striking professional record of 24-12. Bout statistics show that Dan Hooker record includes about 11 knockouts and 7 submissions, suggesting that he can conclude fights in several ways.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’ChO1M8TSTzhASBNL_fdUvQ’,sig:’PbMLuDwxA96a3ZulAcSLHqE6j7jWZ_2fTyOsceH5WDM=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2167218891′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});Hooker, 35, is at the sixth rank in the lightweight division. With a 75-inch reach and a height of 6’0″, he has a significant range advantage in this battle. He keeps opponents at a distance with long kicks, jabs, and knees in the middle, which is an important tactic when dealing with shorter pressure fighters.
The New Zealander’s performance has been somewhat of a resurgence lately. The City Kickboxing stalwart seems to be approaching the end of his lengthy career, especially given that the majority of the most recent reports about him have focused on fights he organized in his garden rather than ones in which he took part. However, he remarkably defeated Mateusz Gamrot via split decision in August 2024, solidifying his comeback to prominence in the lightweight division.
UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs Hooker exemplifies Hooker’s reputation for taking challenging fights, as Tsarukyan is considered a highly dangerous opponent in the current lightweight division. Previously, Hooker has stepped up against top contenders such as Michael Chandler, Edson Barboza, and Dustin Poirier, and even accepted a short-notice bout with Islam Makhachev, though he lost each of those matchups. Heading into this event, however, Hooker is riding a three-fight win streak, relying on his veteran experience, striking skills, and output to remain a threat in the later rounds.
Tsarukyan vs Hooker Analysis: Head-to-Head Breakdown
Here’s a detailed Tsarukyan vs Hooker analysis, focusing on fighting styles, reach, and takedown stats.
| Attribute | Tsarukyan | Hooker |
| Height | 5’7” | 6’0” |
| Reach | 72″ | 75″ |
| Leg Reach | 39.5” | 42.5″ |
| Weight | 155 lb. | 155 lb. |
| Style | Wrestling / Striking | Kickboxing / Muay Thai |
The striking stats of Hooker clearly show the height and reach advantage, rendering range control a vital part of his game strategy. Tsarukyan, however, is more explosive, faster, and stronger in grappling exchanges.
Fight History & Recent Form
Tsarukyan is at number 2 in the UFC lightweight division, while Hooker is at number 6. Their paths to UFC Fight Night 265 have been pretty different. Tsarukyan has been more consistent in recent bouts, stringing continuous wins, while Hooker’s journey entails ups and downs but is trending upwards now. The event itself is historic in a way, as UFC Fight Night 265 has additional significance since it will be UFC’s first event in Qatar.
Why UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs Hooker Matters?
Tsarukyan vs Hooker is a high-stakes lightweight clash with big implications. A win for Tsarukyan could boost his case for a future lightweight title shot, while Hooker, at 35, has a chance to cement his veteran legacy and may not have more runs at the top. The matchup is especially compelling due to the clash of styles, Tsarukyan’s grappling dominance versus Hooker’s striking threat, making UFC Fight Night 265 one of the most intriguing lightweight fights in recent memory. Besides, this match will set the tone for UFC as it expands into new global regions like Qatar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, no matter the outcome, fans will remember Tsarukyan vs Hooker as a defining moment in the lightweight division. This fight blends skill, strategy, and legacy: the rising contender facing the seasoned veteran, all under the bright lights of UFC Fight Night 265 in Qatar.
