Summary
Tsarukyan and Hooker have a tense face-off at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
It took a while, but finally, the world's biggest MMA organization landed in Doha. At UFC Qatar, an event taking place this Saturday (22), fans were treated to two main fights of extreme importance for the lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) and welterweight (up to 77,1 kg) divisions. In these fights, bookmakers point to Arman Tsarukyan and Ian Garry as favorites to beat Dan Hooker and Belal Muhammad , respectively.
In addition to the quartet, the company packed the show with fighters from the Middle East to attract the public and start its history in the country well. In total, UFC Qatar will have 14 fights and only one Brazilian will be in action. In the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), Rafael Cerqueira, who has lost three fights in a row and has not won in the organization, will have the tough task of welcoming Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, a newcomer and undefeated in MMA.
See too
Please note the UFC Qatar schedule.
UFC Qatar will be held in Doha and will start at an alternative time for the Brazilian audience. The event begins at 12 PM (Brasilia time) and features 14 fights. The main card is scheduled to begin at 15 PM.
Tsarukyan pressed
Tsarukyan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In the main event of UFC Qatar, Arman Tsarukyan , ranked number one in the lightweight division, aims not only to win but also to put on a show against Dan Hooker . However, the Armenian fighter may face difficulties not only because he is up against a veteran striking specialist. The athlete last competed in April 2024 and, in addition to lacking match fitness, is under pressure after leaving the company in the lurch in January.
At the time, Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title , but a day before the highly anticipated rematch, he suffered an injury and had to withdraw from the fight, a fact that deeply angered Dana White and the UFC's top brass. Months later, the athlete has the chance to finally dream of a title fight again. And, to definitively settle things with the company, the Armenian knows that simply winning isn't enough to surpass Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett in the race to challenge champion Ilia Topuria.
Hooker promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
On the other hand, Hooker is eager to spoil Tsarukyan's party. Ranked sixth in the division, the New Zealander has been underestimated by some fans and professionals in the sport, but he could surprise in action and is confident. Riding a three-fight win streak, the veteran has already proven to be a problem for any opponent in striking due to his aggressive style, height, and stamina. Precisely because he is dangerous on his feet, the tendency is for Arman to respect Dan and not hesitate to go for a takedown. Once on the ground, the athlete has everything to finish the fight via technical knockout or submission.
Garry motivated
Garry celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
With the impressive victories of Carlos Prates and Michael Morales at UFC 322 last Saturday (15), Ian Garry has gained even more responsibility at UFC Qatar. The Irishman, ranked sixth in the welterweight division, saw the promising duo overtake him in the rankings and gain momentum to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title . As he is also in the running, motivation is not lacking for 'The Future' to prove that, on Saturday, he will be the most deserving fighter to fight for the belt. So much so that the European has promised to knock out Belal Muhammad , a former champion who has been performing very well in the octagon.
Belal focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
It's quite true that Belal is a difficult professional to defeat. Before being defeated by Jack Della Maddalena in his last fight, the veteran hadn't lost in 11 bouts. Furthermore, he was showing dominance. Therefore, against the Irishman, Muhammad promised to rediscover his best form in the octagon. At UFC Qatar, the former welterweight champion needs to recover from the defeat if he wants to remain close to another title shot.
The duel promises to be a tense and strategic one. Belal's strategy is clear. Despite claiming his boxing is better than ever, the veteran's ideal strategy for victory is to utilize his wrestling extensively and pressure his opponent from start to finish. Garry, on the other hand, needs to do everything to keep the fight standing. In striking exchanges, the Irishman, who moves around a lot, has a clear advantage, as he is more precise, faster, and more technical, in addition to having greater height and reach. The expectation is that this important bout will be closely contested and end in a decision.
How to watch UFC Qatar
Starting at 12 PM (Brasilia time), UFC Qatar will be broadcast live and in its entirety on UFC Fight Pass , the Ultimate's official streaming platform. The main card is scheduled to begin at 15 PM. The UFC has NOT been broadcast on 'Combate' since the end of 2022.
SUPER LUTAS coverage begins at 11:30 PM. All fights will be followed in REAL TIME , minute by minute, with results and highlights. SUPER LUTAS will also provide live coverage of all fights from the event on YouTube with narration, commentary, and videos.
Technical details for UFC Qatar
Date : November 22, 2025
Time: Starting at 12 PM (Brasilia time)
Location: Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena City, Doha, Qatar
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time, UFC Fight Pass (entire card) online.
MAIN CARD (15pm Brasília time)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Garry
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Volkan Oezdemir vs. Alonzo Menifield
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jack Hermansson vs. Myktybek Orolbai
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Shamil Gaziev
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Tagir Ulanbekov x Kyoji Horiguchi
PRELIMINARY CARD (12pm Brasília time)
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Bogdan Grad x Luke Riley
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Nicolas Dalby vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Alex Perez vs. Asu Almabayev
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Rafael Cerqueira
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bekzat Almakhan x Aleksandre Topuria
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ismail Naurdiev vs. Ryan Loder
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Nurullo Aliev x Shem Rock
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Marek Bujło vs. Denzel Freeman
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