UFC's first event in Qatar features a lightweight fight with Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker stepping into the Octagon on Saturday night seeking to position themselves for a title shot against Ilia Topuria.

It's the first fight for both in 2025, and the stakes are extremely high.

Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) is the No. 1-ranked contender and odds-on favorite at -625 by BetMGM. The Armenian fighter was scheduled for a title shot at UFC 311 in January against then-champion Islam Makhachev but was forced to pull out due to back spasms.

Tsarukyan has not fought since. Although the 29-year-old did weigh in successfully as the backup fighter at UFC 317, this will be his first fight since a split decision win over Charles Oliveira in April 2024.

"It's so important to go there and to show I'm

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