Ali Abdelaziz confidently predicts that Arman Tsarukyan will dominate and thoroughly overwhelm Dan Hooker in their upcoming fight. He's not holding back in dismissing Hooker's chances, firmly believing that Tsarukyan will deliver a brutal performance. This highly anticipated matchup is set for the main event of UFC Fight Night 265, taking place on November 22 at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Abdelaziz openly shared his thoughts about Hooker, who enters the fight as a significant underdog against the more favored Tsarukyan. According to him, the odds are a true reflection of what he expects to unfold in the octagon.
In an interview with Submission Radio, Abdelaziz stated, “I believe Arman is going to beat the sh*t out of Dan Hooker.” He clarified that he bears no personal animosity toward Hooker but emphasizes that there are different levels within mixed martial arts, and he sees Tsarukyan as being on a vastly higher tier. Abdelaziz also criticized Hooker for past dishonesty, specifically mentioning the controversy surrounding Islam Makhachev and the IV issue, indicating he doesn’t respect Hooker for those reasons.
He added, “I don’t respect him as a man. When he fought Islam, Islam absolutely dominated him. I understand he has to support his team, but I see him as a liar. Hooker doesn’t really have much to lose, but I believe Arman is just going to torture him in there.”
For context, Abdelaziz also manages Islam Makhachev, who quickly submitted Hooker at UFC 267. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, faced Makhachev in his UFC debut and was defeated; they were scheduled for a rematch for the lightweight title at UFC 311, but Tsarukyan withdrew from that bout just a day before. All of this adds layers of tension and history to their upcoming clash.
And this is the part most people might overlook—Abdelaziz’s blunt confidence and the history intertwined with these fighters could make this fight more than just a contest of skill; it’s a showdown charged with rivalry, reputation, and a clear message about where each fighter stands in the hierarchy of the lightweight division. Do you agree with Abdelaziz’s bold predictions, or do you think Hooker might surprise everyone? Share your thoughts—this fight might just turn out to be more unpredictable than it appears.
