Arman Tsarukyan made a successful return to action earlier today (Sat., Nov. 22, 2025) at UFC Qatar LIVE on ESPN+ from inside the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, stopping hard-nosed lightweight contender Dan Hooker with a dominant second-round submission (arm triangle choke).
Tsarukyan was a large betting favorite despite not competing since a decision win over Charles Oliveira all the way back at UFC 300. in April 2024. Hooker hadn’t fought in well over a year as well, but it wasn’t quite as long. Fight fans were eager to see if Tsarukyan is still one of the best 155-pound fighters in the world.
The first round was an exciting back-and-forth. Tsarukyan was more than willing to stand and exchange as he landed some clean combinations that caught Hooker’s attention. Hooker relied on hard front kicks and leg kicks before trying to lock up a guillotine choke along the cage. He failed and Tsarukyan clocked some valuable top time to end the first round.
Tsarukyan decided to change levels in the second and attempted to take Hooker down. Hooker grabbed hold of another guillotine choke on his way down and started to work. Tsarukyan was able to use his strength to turn out of the choke and gain top control once again. From there, the No. 1-ranked lightweight contender landed heavy ground-and-pound before locking up the fight-ending choke.
Check out the video highlights below along with Tsarukyan’s post-fight callout of UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria:
For complete UFC Qatar results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.