The UFC Qatar: Tsarukyan vs Hooker officially cleared its final hurdle Friday morning as all 15 fighters made weight at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. The ceremonial weigh-ins, held at 10:00 AM ET, were broadcast live on ESPN+, confirming every fighter met their contracted limit — no misses, no drama, just pure preparation for Saturday night’s explosive card. The main event pits Arman Tsarukyan, the sharp, technical Armenian striker, against Dan Hooker, the relentless New Zealander known for his knockout power. This isn’t just another lightweight bout — it’s a potential title eliminator with real stakes in a division already packed with contenders.
Who’s Fighting, and Why It Matters
The co-main event features Bal Muhammad, the former welterweight champion, against rising star Ian Rashard Garry. Muhammad, once the man to beat at 170 pounds, is fighting to prove he still belongs in the upper tier. Garry, meanwhile, is the future — fast, polished, and hungry. A win here could vault him into the top five, while Muhammad needs this to stay relevant. Both weighed exactly 170 pounds.
Other notable names include Yulo Ali, the Tajik fighter dubbed "the Tajik Eagle," who came in at 155 pounds, and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, who made weight on short notice — a sign of both his discipline and the unpredictable nature of MMA. His opponent remains unclear from available reports, but his presence on the card suggests a high-stakes matchup.
Weight Class Breakdown: Precision Under Pressure
Every fighter hit their number. No last-minute scrambles. No failed scales. That’s rare in MMA, where dehydration and last-minute cuts often lead to drama. Here’s how it broke down:
- Lightweight (155 lbs): Tsarukyan (155), Hooker (155), Shem Rock (156), Yulo Ali (155)
- Welterweight (170 lbs): Bal Muhammad (170), Ian Rashard Garry (170)
- Middleweight (185 lbs): Ryan Loader (185), Ismail (185)
- Flyweight (125 lbs): Au Alvarez (125.5), Alex Perez (126), Ziran Becca (125.5)
- Light Heavyweight (205 lbs): Alonso Benfield (206), "Falcon No Time" (206)
- Heavyweight (265 lbs): Shamil Kazier (262), Waldo Cortes-Acosta (likely 265+)
Even the flyweights — who often cut extreme weight — stayed within half a pound. That’s professional. That’s respect for the sport.
Why Doha? The UFC’s Middle East Gamble
Qatar isn’t just another stop on the UFC tour. It’s a strategic play. After events in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, the organization is building a foothold in the Gulf. Doha’s ABHA Arena — a state-of-the-art venue with climate control and global broadcast infrastructure — is becoming a reliable home for international UFC events. The crowd will be a mix of local fans, expats, and international travelers, creating a unique atmosphere. And unlike some Middle Eastern venues, Qatar allows full access to UFC’s global pay-per-view model via ESPN+, making it accessible to fans in North America, Europe, and beyond.
There’s also a cultural angle. Fighters like Yulo Ali and others from Central Asia and the Middle East are becoming household names. This isn’t just business — it’s representation. The UFC is no longer just an American product. It’s a global spectacle, and Doha is proving it.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Octagon
For Arman Tsarukyan, a win over Hooker could position him as the next challenger to the lightweight throne — likely against Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira. Hooker, 36, is chasing one last shot at gold. He’s been here before. He knows what it takes. But Tsarukyan’s movement, timing, and cardio give him the edge if he stays disciplined.
Meanwhile, the welterweight division is in flux. With Garry beating Muhammad, he enters the top 10. If he wins by knockout, the UFC might fast-track him into a title eliminator. Muhammad, meanwhile, could be looking at a step down — or a farewell tour.
What’s Next? The Fight Night Countdown
With weigh-ins complete, the focus shifts to Friday night’s official fight night weigh-in — a final check before Saturday’s main card. Fighters will hydrate, rest, and mentally prepare. The arena will be packed. The lights will dim. And when the cage door closes, it’s just two men, one goal.
Expect Hooker to come out swinging. Expect Tsarukyan to pick his shots. Expect fireworks. And expect the UFC to celebrate another successful international event — not because it was easy, but because it was done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the UFC decide which fighters get main event slots in international locations like Doha?
The UFC prioritizes fighters with global fan appeal, recent momentum, and title implications. Tsarukyan and Hooker were chosen because both are top-10 ranked, have strong social media followings, and their styles create compelling matchups. Doha’s audience leans toward technical fighters and finishers — a perfect fit for this pairing.
Why did Waldo Cortes-Acosta make weight on short notice, and what does that mean for his fight?
Cortes-Acosta likely replaced an injured opponent at the last minute — a common occurrence in MMA. Making weight under pressure shows his conditioning and discipline. It also suggests his opponent was a higher-ranked fighter, meaning this bout could have unexpected playoff implications for the light heavyweight division.
Is this UFC event part of a larger deal with Qatar?
Yes. Qatar has been courted by global sports organizations since hosting the 2022 World Cup. The UFC signed a multi-year agreement to host events in the Gulf region, with Doha as a key hub. This isn’t a one-off — expect at least two more UFC events in Qatar through 2027.
How does ESPN+’s role differ in international UFC events compared to the U.S.?
In the U.S., ESPN+ is the exclusive PPV platform. In Qatar and other international markets, it’s the primary legal streaming option, but local broadcasters may also carry the event. Fans in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East rely on ESPN+ for the same high-definition feed as Americans — making it the global standard for UFC access.
What impact could Tsarukyan’s win have on the lightweight title picture?
A victory over Hooker would likely set Tsarukyan up for a title shot against Islam Makhachev. Makhachev hasn’t fought since October 2024, and the UFC needs a clear contender. Tsarukyan’s technical striking and grappling defense make him the ideal next challenger — especially if he wins by decision, proving he can outlast elite opponents.
Why were there so many fighters weighing in at exactly 155 or 170 pounds?
That’s the UFC’s design. Fighters train to hit the exact weight limit — no more, no less — to maximize strength and endurance. Weighing in at 155.1 or 170.5 would mean a failed attempt. These numbers aren’t random; they’re the result of months of disciplined cutting, hydration, and nutrition planning — a silent art form in MMA.