UFC Qatar: Ultimate holds its first event in the country with Tsarukyan vs. Hooker and Belal vs. Garry headlined.

Tsarukyan and Hooker have a tense face-off at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

It took a while, but finally, the world's largest MMA organization landed in Doha. UFC Qatarat the event taking place this Saturday (22), fans were treated to two main fights of extreme importance for the lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) and welterweight (up to 77,1 kg) divisions. In these, the bookmakers point to Arman Tsarukyan e Ian Gary as favorites to win Dan Hooker e Belal Muhammad |respectively.

In addition to the quartet, the company filled the show with fighters from the Middle East to attract the public and make a good start to its history in the country. In total, the UFC Qatar There will be 14 fights and only one Brazilian will be in action. In the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), Rafael Cerqueira, who has lost three fights in a row and has not won in the organization, will have the tough task of welcoming Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, a newcomer and undefeated in MMA.

See too

Does it make sense? Jon Jones explains his refusal of a $160 million offer to fight Tom Aspinall in the UFC.

Anderson Silva's rival suffers injury, and Spider faces former UFC champion in boxing match.

McGregor vs. Khabib 2? Ian Garry clings to historic rivalry to lure Makhachev into a UFC fight.

Please note the UFC Qatar schedule.

O UFC Qatar It will be held in Doha and will begin at an alternative time for the Brazilian audience. The event starts at 12 PM (Brasilia time) and features 14 fights. The main card is scheduled to begin at 15 PM.

Tsarukyan pressed

Tsarukyan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

In the main fight UFC Qatar, Arman Tsarukyan, ranked number one in the lightweight division, aims not only to win, but also to put on a show against Dan HookerHowever, the Armenian fighter may face difficulties not only because he is up against a veteran striking specialist. The athlete last competed in April 2024 and, in addition to lacking match fitness, is under pressure after letting his team down in January.

At the time, Tsarukyan would be fighting for the lightweight title against Islam makhachevHowever, one day before the highly anticipated rematch, he suffered an injury and had to withdraw from the fight, a fact that deeply angered Dana White and the UFC's top brass. Months later, the athlete has the chance to finally dream of fighting for the title again. And, to definitively settle things with the company, the Armenian knows that simply winning isn't enough to overcome his past struggles. Justin gaethje e Paddy Pimblett in the race to challenge the champion Ilia Topuria.

Hooker promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

On the other hand, Hooker is eager to spoil Tsarukyan's party. Ranked sixth in the division, the New Zealander has been underestimated by some fans and professionals in the sport, but he could surprise in action and is confident. Riding a three-fight win streak, the veteran has already proven to be a problem for any opponent in striking due to his aggressive style, height, and stamina. Precisely because he is dangerous on his feet, the tendency is for Arman to respect Dan and not hesitate to go for a takedown. Once on the ground, the athlete has everything to finish the fight via technical knockout or submission.

Garry motivated

Garry celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

With the impactful victories of Carlos Prates e MichaelMorales No. UFC 322, from last Saturday (15), Ian Gary took on more responsibility in UFC QatarThe Irishman, ranked sixth in the welterweight division, saw the promising duo overtake him in the standings and gain momentum to challenge for the title against... Islam makhachevAs he is also in the running, 'The Future' has no shortage of motivation to prove that, on Saturday, he will be the athlete most deserving of fighting for the belt. So much so that the European has promised a knockout. Belal Muhammad |, a former champion who was doing very well in the octagon.

Belal focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

It's quite true that Belal is a difficult professional to beat. Before being surpassed by Jack Della Maddalena In his last fight, the veteran hadn't lost in 11 bouts. Furthermore, he had shown dominance. Therefore, against the Irishman, Muhammad promised to rediscover his best form in the octagon. UFC QatarThe former welterweight champion needs to bounce back from the loss if he wants to stay in contention for another title.

The duel promises to be a tense and strategic one. Belal's strategy is clear. Despite claiming his boxing is better than ever, the veteran's ideal strategy for victory is to utilize his wrestling extensively and pressure his opponent from start to finish. Garry, on the other hand, needs to do everything to keep the fight standing. In striking exchanges, the Irishman, who moves around a lot, has a clear advantage, as he is more precise, faster, and more technical, in addition to having greater height and reach. The expectation is that this important bout will be closely contested and end in a decision.

How to watch UFC Qatar

Starting at 12:00 PM (Brasilia time), the UFC Qatar It will be broadcast live and in its entirety by UFC Fight Pass, Ultimate's official streaming platform. The main card is scheduled to start at 15pm. The UFC has not broadcast 'Combate' since the end of 2022.

Technical details for UFC Qatar

Data: November 22 of 2025

Open Hours: From 12pm (Brasília time)

Location: Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena City, Doha, Qatar

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE In real time, UFC Fight Pass (the entire card) online.

MAIN CARD (15pm Brasília time)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Arman Tsarukyan x Dan Hooker

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Belal Muhammad | x Ian Gary

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Volkan oezdemir x Alonzo Menifield

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jack hermansson x Myktybek Orolbai

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Waldo Cortes-Acosta x Shamil Gaziev

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Tagir Ulanbekov x Kyoji Horiguchi

PRELIMINARY CARD (12pm Brasília time)

Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Bogdan Grad x luke riley

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Nicholas Dalby x Saygid Izagakhmaev

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Alex Perez x Asu Almabayev

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev x Rafael Cerqueira

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bekzat Almakhan x Alexander Topuria

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ismail Naurdiev x Ryan Loder

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Nurullo Aliev x Shem Rock

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Marek Bujło x Denzel Freeman