Rivalry with Ilia Topuria and Dan Hooker Not ‘Drama’, Claims Arman Tsarukyan Despite Numerous Trash-Talk

#1 ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan clears air around bad blood between him, Ilia Topuria and Dan Hooker ahead of UFC Qatar bout.

Rivalry with Ilia Topuria and Dan Hooker Not ‘Drama’, Claims Arman Tsarukyan Despite Numerous Trash-Talk

Arman Tsarukyan talks about his rivalry with Dan Hooker and Ilia Topuria (via Yahoo Sports, BBC)

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The lightweight division remains one of the UFC’s most competitive, with contenders constantly battling for a title opportunity. Arman Tsarukyan currently holds the No. 1 spot beneath champion Ilia Topuria, placing him closest to a championship shot. As the division shifts around him, Tsarukyan has maintained that he has no issues with either Topuria or his next opponent, Dan Hooker.

Tsarukyan and Hooker are set to headline the UFC’s first event in Qatar, marking a milestone for the promotion. The fight also signals Tsarukyan’s return after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Hooker has intensified the rivalry through repeated trash talk and has vowed to bring a violent approach once they step into the Octagon at the ABHA Arena.

Topuria is currently in Qatar to corner his brother, Aleksandre Topuria, who is set to face Bekzat Almakhan on the undercard. His presence at the event prompted questions to Tsarukyan regarding their past exchanges. Tsarukyan had previously accused the champion of avoiding him while pushing for a title shot. This led into his recent clarification that he has no personal issues with Topuria or Hooker.

I have no issues with anyone. Neither Ilia nor Hooker so I can easily meet anyone and have a word with them. Well I will say hello to everyone, I have no beef with any of them, nor do I have any questions for them. If I had any I wouldn’t wait till I just met them by chance.

Arman Tsarukyan via Red Corner MMA

Hooker has added to the buildup by targeting Tsarukyan’s wealthy lifestyle and framing it as a divide between them. He has also criticized Tsarukyan for allegedly downplaying his achievements in the sport. These remarks have intensified the rivalry as both prepare for their Qatar bout. The verbal back-and-forth has remained steady leading into fight week.

‘Ahalkalakets’ returns to action nearly twenty months after his last appearance, following his withdrawal from UFC 311. Tsarukyan had to pull out of scheduled fight with former champion Islam Makhachev was due to a sudden back injury. The setback paused his momentum at a key point in the division. The Qatar main event now serves as a major step in reestablishing his position.

The UFC 311 withdrawal placed Tsarukyan in a difficult position with UFC CEO Dana White, who was displeased at the time and immediately removed him from title contention. The situation created uncertainty around Arman Tsarukyan’s future title path. White has since confirmed that the Qatar fight with Dan Hooker will determine the next challenger for Ilia Topuria’s future title defense.

Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t mind fighting Ilia Topuria in January

Arman Tsarukyan enters UFC Qatar as the No. 1 lightweight contender, positioned for a potential title shot depending on the outcome of his bout with Dan Hooker. With the division active and the champion holding multiple contenders in contention, Tsarukyan’s performance this weekend carries significant implications. His ranking places him closest to a championship opportunity in the lightweight landscape.

Arman Tsarukyan diminished Ilia Topuria
Arman Tsarukyan wants Ilia Topuria fight (via MMA Fighting)

‘El Matador’ won the lightweight championship at UFC 317 and has not yet made his first defense, with no opponent announced. Questions continue regarding a possible January 2026 title fight, a date linked to the UFC’s first card under the $7.7 billion Paramount+ deal. Doubts persist over whether Topuria will compete on that event. This uncertainty frames Tsarukyan’s stance that he is ready for a rapid turnaround.

I don’t want to wait. If I perform very well and the UFC says, ‘Can you fight in January?’, I’ll take that fight right away.

Arman Tsarukyan via MMA Fighting

Rankings movement and the fiery Ilia Topuria–Paddy Pimblett faceoff at UFC 317 have fueled speculation about future matchups with the British star. Their confrontation created additional attention around potential title scenarios. Despite that momentum, Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker has been confirmed as the official No. 1 contender bout. The winner is expected to earn the next lightweight title shot.

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