Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker Full Fight – UFC Fight Night 265

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Published on July 1, 2026 by administrator

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker headlined UFC Fight Night 265 on November 22, 2025, in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The five-round lightweight main event carried major title implications, with Tsarukyan looking to cement his status as the division’s top contender while Hooker sought the biggest victory of his career. Tsarukyan ultimately earned a second-round submission victory via triangle choke at 3:34 of Round 2, securing a Performance of the Night bonus.  

 

The opening round began at a measured pace as Hooker immediately established his long-range kickboxing, firing jabs and stabbing front kicks to the body while circling away from Tsarukyan’s pressure. Tsarukyan remained patient, using feints to disguise level changes and forcing Hooker to constantly defend against the takedown. Midway through the round, Tsarukyan exploded into a perfectly timed double-leg, driving Hooker to the canvas near the fence. Although Hooker quickly scrambled to his feet, Tsarukyan chained together body locks and trips, repeatedly dragging the New Zealander back to the mat. Hooker showed impressive balance and toughness, absorbing short elbows and shoulder strikes while preventing Tsarukyan from advancing into dominant positions. Even when separated, Tsarukyan’s heavier boxing combinations landed with greater authority, while Hooker’s volume was partially neutralized by the constant wrestling threat.

Hooker entered the second round knowing he needed to keep the fight standing and began throwing combinations with greater urgency. A sharp right hand briefly snapped Tsarukyan’s head back, but Tsarukyan answered immediately with another explosive takedown. This time he settled into top control much more comfortably, flattening Hooker against the fence before gradually advancing to half guard. As Hooker attempted to create space and stand, Tsarukyan anticipated the scramble, isolated Hooker’s arm, and transitioned smoothly into full guard. From there, Tsarukyan threw enough strikes to force Hooker to defend, creating the opening to throw his legs high around Hooker’s neck.

Hooker initially tried to posture out of danger, but Tsarukyan adjusted the angle perfectly, locking his legs behind Hooker’s neck while trapping one arm. With the triangle choke fully secured, Hooker struggled desperately to create breathing room but found himself completely trapped. Tsarukyan squeezed tighter as Hooker’s resistance faded, forcing Hooker to tap at 3:34 of Round 2, ending the contest by submission.

The victory highlighted every aspect of Tsarukyan’s elite skill set. His relentless wrestling consistently disrupted Hooker’s striking rhythm, his positional grappling prevented meaningful escapes, and his transition to the triangle choke showcased the technical submission game that complements his athleticism. Hooker displayed the heart and resilience that have defined his UFC career, defending numerous takedowns and battling through difficult positions, but Tsarukyan’s superior grappling eventually proved overwhelming.

The submission win strengthened Tsarukyan’s case as the leading contender in the lightweight division and reaffirmed his reputation as one of the UFC’s most complete fighters. For Hooker, the loss ended his momentum after an impressive run of victories, though his toughness and willingness to engage another elite contender further reinforced his standing as one of the division’s most respected veterans.

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