Dan Hooker isn’t wanting forward, but it surely’s unattainable for him to disregard what occurs subsequent if he will get by means of Arman Tsarukyan on Saturday within the UFC Qatar foremost occasion.
UFC CEO Dana White already touted the battle as a No. 1 contender’s bout, and whereas nothing is assured till contracts are signed, Hooker appreciates that the stakes have been outlined earlier than he ever set foot within the octagon.
“I form of anticipated it, and that’s why I would like this battle and requested for this battle, just about begged the UFC to provide me a shot to take Arman Tsarukyan out of the way in which,” Hooker informed MMA Combating. “It was cool. I like the way in which that Dana answered it, that he was virtually pissed off.
“It’s all the time good when the boss solutions issues, and he’s virtually pissed off that somebody even requested the query. He answered that prefer it was apparent this was going to be the No. 1 contender [fight].”
A win over Tsarukyan would possibly assure that Hooker will get a title shot, however that doesn’t essentially imply he’s subsequent in line.
New UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria received the title with a dramatic knockout over Charles Oliveira in June, however hasn’t fought since then. Rumors are swirling that Topuria might be a part of the UFC’s plans to launch a brand new broadcast take care of Paramount in the beginning of 2026, which implies his first protection may come as early as January.
Whereas nothing is a completed deal but, all indicators are pointing in direction of a showdown between Topuria and longtime rival Paddy Pimblett after he dusted off Michael Chandler in his most up-to-date win to maneuver to 7-0 within the UFC. Primarily based on total rankings and accomplishments, Pimblett might not deserve the title shot, however the animosity he shares with Topuria, mixed with their shared star energy, makes that a simple battle to promote.
However does Pimblett even have a sensible shot at dethroning Topuria?
“No,” Hooker mentioned with amusing when requested for his evaluation on that potential battle. “Lengthy and in need of it, I don’t see that taking place.”
He might not give Pimblett a lot of an opportunity at beating Topuria, however Hooker can’t wait to get his personal alternative on the UFC light-weight champion.
In contrast to some fighters taking goal at Topuria recently, Hooker doesn’t have something disparaging to say about him and the quick rise he made up the ranks by changing into featherweight champion after which conquering the light-weight division together with his title battle win over Oliveira.
“Unbelievable streak. Unbelievable run at featherweight after which clearly developing and doing what he did to Charles, he’s been on one heck of a streak,” Hooker mentioned about Topuria. “Anybody carrying that belt, the contenders within the division have their eyes on and are looking down and chasing. The longer term seems to be thrilling.
“I really feel like I match up effectively stylistically with Ilia. I really feel like that’s a great battle, that’s an thrilling battle. That’s clearly the battle that I would like after this battle. So the UFC goes to do [Max] Holloway and Oliveira, that can most likely find yourself being for the ‘BMF’ title, so the undisputed title, the door’s large open for that. There’s a variety of motion within the division in the meanwhile. It’s a really thrilling time to get a No. 1 contender battle subsequent to your title.”
Past holding onto the UFC light-weight title battle now, Topuria is undefeated and likewise changing into a official famous person for the promotion. That makes any battle in opposition to him that a lot greater, and Hooker sees the attraction in a matchup like that.
Add to that, as unbeatable as Topuria has appeared since first arriving within the UFC, Hooker is aware of everyone might be crushed, and he simply desires his likelihood to show it.
“That’s clearly candy to place an ‘O’ subsequent to somebody’s title and to cease simply the unbelievable run that he’s on,” Hooker mentioned. “Everybody can’t be beat, however you get skilled sufficient on this recreation, I’m lengthy sufficient within the tooth to say that’s all simply mystique and hype and the promotional facet of issues. I do know that everybody bleeds. Everybody will get drained. On anybody night time, any man can win.”
Hooker loves the thought of preventing Topuria subsequent, however none of that occurs if he doesn’t get by means of Tsarukyan first at UFC Qatar.
“It’s a battle that I like,” Hooker mentioned. “I really feel like I’ve extra instruments on the toes, I’m versatile, however you’ve bought to only take it one battle at a time. I’ve bought an enormous take a look at in entrance of me in Arman Tsarukyan.
“I really feel like he’s the most effective within the division, it’s the hardest battle, and that’s why I would like this battle. My focus is certainly on Arman in the meanwhile.”
