Dan Hooker Thrashes ‘Spoilt Rich Kid’ Arman Tsarukyan Ahead of Title Eliminator Bout

Dan Hooker calls out Arman Tsarukyan for discrediting him as a fighter while being spoiled due to a wealthy lifestyle.

Dan Hooker Thrashes ‘Spoilt Rich Kid’ Arman Tsarukyan Ahead of Title Eliminator Bout

Dan Hooker calls out Arman Tsarukyan's lifestyle (via MMA Mania, Instagram)

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The lightweight division continues to be one of the most competitive in the UFC, with several contenders vying to break into title contention. Amid the constant reshuffling of rankings and matchups, tensions between top fighters often spark heated rivalries. One such rivalry that has been steadily brewing involves Dan Hooker and Arman Tsarukyan ahead of their upcoming bout at UFC Qatar.

Hooker, a veteran of the UFC’s 155-pound division, has been part of several memorable battles against elite opposition. Known for his durability, he has consistently faced some of the toughest names in the sport, such as Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Mateusz Gamrot. Despite setbacks in recent years, Hooker has remained a dangerous presence with the ability to derail any rising contender’s momentum.

The friction between Hooker and Tsarukyan has been evident through various interactions and interviews over the years. What started as verbal jabs and competitive banter has evolved into genuine tension between the two. ‘Hangman’ recently took a jab at Tsarukyan’s wealthy lifestyle and called the Armenian star out for pursuing a fight against him since debuting in the UFC.

I think Arman’s a prick. He’s been chiming at me since he first got into the UFC, and I’m just not one — I’ll chime back. He discredits me as a fighter; he says that I turn him down and run away from him. He’s a spoiled little rich kid that’s had everything handed to him. I’m the complete opposite of that — I’ve taken everything that I have. I’ve worked hard. I come out of nothing. Money can’t help you beat Dan Hooker.

Dan Hooker via Combat TV

On the other hand, Tsarukyan represents the new wave of lightweight talent looking to climb toward the championship picture. Since joining the promotion, he has earned victories over notable opponents, Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. He has been out of the Octagon since his win against Oliveira at UFC 300. Tsarukyan was set to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, but pulled out due to an injury.

Hooker is critical of Ahalkalakets’ career trajectory and has called him out on multiple occasions before their UFC Qatar was announced. He publicly asserted that Tsarukyan behaved inappropriately towards popular UFC interviewer Nina Marie Daniele during an interview. However, the Armenian star denied the allegations and called out Hooker for his derogatory comments.

The anticipated showdown gains even more significance as it is the UFC’s first-ever event in Qatar. As a milestone moment for the promotion’s expansion into the Middle East, a fight between Dan Hooker and Arman Tsarukyan would add competitive value and historical weight to the occasion. It would also mark a fitting centerpiece for the organization’s debut in the region.

Dan Hooker talks about the drive behind accepting the Arman Tsarukyan fight at UFC Qatar

Dan Hooker has renewed motivation as he prepares for another major test after a year of inactivity. For months, a fight between Hooker and Justin Gaethje was rumored as the next potential matchup, including a failed matchup at UFC 313. After which, Gaethje’s focus shifted toward securing a title opportunity instead, leaving Hooker to explore other options within the top ranks.

Dan Hooker is excited for the Arman Tsarukyan bout
Dan Hooker is excited for the Arman Tsarukyan bout (via MMA Fighting. Newsweek)

The upcoming fight against Tsarukyan offers Hooker a chance to face an opponent many believe to be the future of the division. Known for thriving in high-pressure situations, Hooker has openly embraced the idea of entering this matchup as an underdog, seeing it as the type of test that reignites his competitive drive and pushes him to perform at his best.

This is the fight that I wanted before the Gaethje fight got matched, because I feel like it’s a guy that everyone thinks is gonna beat me. I love coming into fights as a heavy underdog — that’s where I thrive. This fight gets me out of bed; the Gaethje fight didn’t even really get me out of bed.

Dan Hooker via Combat TV

By emphasizing the personal motivation this fight provides, Dan Hooker positions himself as a fighter who seeks meaningful challenges rather than merely high-profile opportunities. So far, other fighters didn’t want to fight the Armenian. As such, defeating Tsarukyan could finally give Hooker the opportunity to fight for a UFC gold. After all, Dana White has confirmed this booking as a No. 1 contender’s fight.

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