Arman Tsarukyan admits he regrets headbutting Dan Hooker.

Arman Tsarukyan admits he regrets headbutting Dan Hooker. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

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Arman Tsarukyan He offered self-criticism. The 29-year-old Armenian spoke again about what happened behind the scenes and believes that his past actions, including the headbutt, were partly his own. Dan HookerThis removed him from an immediate title fight in the UFC. The notorious assault against the New Zealander occurred before UFC Qatar in November 2025.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, the lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) admitted regret for the headbutt incident. However, "Ahalkalakets" does not fully agree with the company's stance, believing they are favoring him. Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324.

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"In my opinion (the reason for not being at UFC 324), it's because it's the first Paramount+ event, and secondly, because I'm very dangerous... I fought in a number one fight, went head-to-head with Hooker, and showed that I'm very dangerous."

My opinion is that they want the Paddy Pimblett Become champion. But officially, they say it was because of the headbutt, that I hit a fan… but I didn't hit anyone, I just startled him. Because of that, all I can do is say 'okay' and wait for my chance.

I didn't speak directly to anyone at the UFC (about why I wasn't at UFC 324), but my manager told me that because of that (the headbutt), I wouldn't get the title fight. It is what it is.

"The headbutt was really bad. I shouldn't have done that, because Hooker is a man. If it was another guy who said he was hurt and didn't want to fight, maybe it would be different. It's because I hate him. Luckily, nothing serious happened, but at that moment I couldn't control myself… sometimes I can't control myself. At least not in the first five seconds," Tsarukyan said in an interview.

Watch Arman Tsarukyan's full commentary

Arman Tsarukyan He admits he regrets headbutting. Dan Hooker:

“Luckily nothing happened, but I couldn't control myself in that moment.” pic.twitter.com/AclrlBP3vi

- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 12, 2026