Tensions between UFC lightweights Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker exploded into physical violence on Friday, 21 November 2025, when Tsarukyan headbutted his opponent during a ceremonial face-off.
The shocking incident occurred at the official weigh-ins for the historic UFC event in Qatar, forcing security personnel to swiftly separate the two fighters before the situation could deteriorate further.
A Week of Building Hostility
The physical altercation did not happen in a vacuum. It was the culmination of a week filled with verbal sparring and escalating bad blood between the two athletes.
The feud was significantly fuelled when Dan Hooker publicly labelled Tsarukyan a 'mouthy rich little p****', setting the stage for a highly charged and personal grudge match.
The Confrontation and Its Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath of the headbutt, the two fighters displayed starkly different reactions. Dan Hooker seemed to laugh off the attack, appearing unfazed by the aggressive move from his rival.
In contrast, Arman Tsarukyan was left with a visible red mark on his forehead. Rather than show remorse, he used the moment to make a bold promise, vowing to secure a knockout victory in their highly anticipated bout.
Despite the drama, both competitors successfully made weight, ensuring their headline fight on the stacked card would proceed as planned for the promotion's inaugural event in Qatar.
What's at Stake in the Octagon
This fight carries immense significance for the future of the UFC lightweight division. Both Tsarukyan and Hooker are fiercely vying for a shot at the coveted lightweight title.
Arman Tsarukyan is returning to the octagon after a long break, aiming to immediately reassert his position as a top contender. On the other side of the cage, Dan Hooker is currently enjoying a remarkable career resurgence, and a victory would solidify his return to the upper echelons of the division.
With so much on the line and emotions running higher than ever, their fight promises to be an explosive encounter.
