Experts Favor Tsarukyan Over Hooker at UFC Fight Night
In a highly anticipated showdown, lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker are set to face off at UFC Fight Night. The event will take place at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. The main card begins at 1 p.m. ET, with preliminary bouts starting at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+.
Fight Background
This bout marks Tsarukyan’s first appearance in the Octagon this year. He had to withdraw from a title shot at UFC 311 due to an injury in January. Tsarukyan comes into this fight with four consecutive victories, establishing himself as a formidable contender.
Hooker, on the other hand, enters the match on a three-fight winning streak, looking to extend his success against Tsarukyan. Notably, neither fighter currently ranks on ESPN’s divisional boards.
Co-Main Event Highlights
The co-main event will feature former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad against rising contender Ian Machado Garry. Muhammad is eager to reclaim his position in title contention after losing his belt to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May. Garry recently clinched a unanimous decision victory against Carlos Prates, enhancing his reputation in the welterweight division.
- Belal Muhammad: Ranked No. 3 in welterweight.
- Ian Machado Garry: Ranked No. 5 in welterweight.
Expert Predictions for Tsarukyan vs. Hooker
MMA analysts have weighed in on the main event, expressing strong support for Tsarukyan. Anthony Smith, an ESPN MMA analyst, predicts Tsarukyan will secure a decision victory, emphasizing his grappling superiority. Din Thomas, an MMA coach, echoed this sentiment, stating that Tsarukyan’s ability to control the fight on the ground will be pivotal.
Betting Insights
Betting expert Ian Parker highlighted that Tsarukyan is a significant favorite, with odds nearing 5-to-1. He anticipates Tsarukyan’s wrestling and knockout power will enable him to win within the distance. Conversely, he acknowledges Hooker’s resilience but believes that Tsarukyan’s ground control will be decisive.
Co-Main Event Predictions
In the co-main event, predictions differ slightly. Anthony Smith favors Machado Garry, while Din Thomas sees Muhammad’s work ethic allowing him to prevail. Muhammad’s wrestling is expected to be crucial in overcoming Garry’s stand-up skills.
Analysis of Upcoming Fights
As the fight card progresses, additional matchups draw attention. Notable bouts include:
- Light Heavyweight: Volkan Oezdemir vs. Alonzo Menifield – Menifield’s recent form makes him a slight underdog.
- Bantamweight: Bekzat Almakhan vs. Aleksandre Topuria – Topuria’s diverse fighting style is favored for victory.
The UFC Fight Night promises exciting matchups. Fans eagerly await the main and co-main events as Tsarukyan and Hooker contend for supremacy in the lightweight division.
