Quick Read
- UFC will host its first Fight Night in Qatar at ABHA Arena, Doha, on November 22, 2025.
- Main event: Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker with major lightweight title implications.
- Co-main event: Belal Muhammad vs Ian Machado Garry in a high-stakes welterweight clash.
- Fighters from over a dozen countries will compete on the card.
- Official weigh-ins expected to take place the day before the event.
UFC Debuts in Qatar: A New Chapter for the Octagon
On November 22, 2025, the UFC is set to make history by hosting its first-ever Fight Night in Qatar.
The event will take place at the ABHA Arena in Doha, marking a major milestone in the organization’s
expanding global presence. For fans across the Middle East and beyond, this is more than just another card
—it represents the UFC’s commitment to bringing elite mixed martial arts to new audiences.
Anticipation is growing as Armenia’s lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan prepares to face
New Zealand veteran Dan Hooker in a headline bout that could determine the next title challenger
in the 155-pound division. The co-main event features former welterweight champion
Belal Muhammad taking on rising Irish star Ian Machado Garry, in a matchup expected
to generate global interest.
Main Event: Tsarukyan vs Hooker—A Collision of Contenders
Tsarukyan is expected to enter the cage ranked near the top of the lightweight ladder, carrying significant
momentum and the support of Armenian fans worldwide. Hooker, a battle-tested UFC veteran, aims to reassert
his place among the division’s elite. Their contrasting styles promise a dynamic, highly technical contest:
Tsarukyan’s relentless wrestling and evolving striking against Hooker’s experience, durability, and
counter-striking ability.
A victory for either fighter could propel them directly into title contention, making this five-round main
event one of the most meaningful lightweight matchups of the year.
International Talent on Display
The co-main event between Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry highlights the depth and international reach
of the card. Muhammad will look to reestablish himself at the top of the welterweight rankings, while Garry
aims to solidify his standing as a future title challenger.
The main card will also feature several compelling matchups:
- Volkan Oezdemir vs Alonzo Menifield (Light Heavyweight)
- Jack Hermansson vs Myktybek Orolbai (Welterweight)
- Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Shamil Gaziev (Heavyweight)
- Tagir Ulanbekov vs Kyoji Horiguchi (Flyweight)
Prelims: Rising Stars and Global Representation
The preliminary portion of the event will showcase a wide range of international talent, including:
- Bogdan Grad vs Luke Riley (Featherweight)
- Nicolas Dalby vs Saygid Izagakhmaev (Welterweight)
- Alex Perez vs Asu Almabayev (Flyweight)
- Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev vs Rafael Cerqueira (Light Heavyweight)
- Bekzat Almakhan vs Aleksandre Topuria (Bantamweight)
- Ismail Naurdiev vs Ryan Loder (Middleweight)
- Nurullo Aliev vs Shem Rock (Lightweight)
- Marek Bujlo vs Denzel Freeman (Heavyweight)
UFC’s Global Vision: Why Qatar Matters
The UFC’s upcoming debut in Qatar reflects the organization’s broader mission of expanding MMA across new regions.
The ABHA Arena will provide a unique setting for this landmark event, with broadcast timing optimized for fans
around the world via ESPN+. Official weigh-ins are expected to proceed smoothly the day before the fights.
By showcasing fighters from Armenia, Palestine, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, the United States,
and beyond, this event reinforces the UFC’s commitment to global diversity and inclusion. As fight night approaches,
fans are left with one question: who will seize this international spotlight and move closer to championship glory?