Tsarukyan-Hooker, Muhammad-Garry to headline UFC Qatar

Two marquee matchups are set for the UFC's debut event in Qatar next month.

Lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker will headline the Nov. 22 Fight Night card in Doha, Qatar, UFC CEO Dana White announced Wednesday.

Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will return against Ian Machado Garry in the co-main event.

Tsarukyan hasn't stepped into the Octagon since earning a split-decision win over former 155-pound champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. The 28-year-old was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311 in January, but he withdrew the day before the event due to an injury. White later indicated that Tsarukyan would have to win another fight to earn a title shot again.

Hooker, the No. 6-ranked lightweight, has also been idle for over a year. The 35-year-old is coming off a split-decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot in August 2024. Hooker has won three straight.

Muhammad is looking to get back on track after dropping the 170-pound title in a unanimous decision loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May. The 37-year-old was riding an 11-fight unbeaten streak before that fight.

Garry beat Carlos Prates in his most recent Octagon appearance, earning a unanimous decision in the UFC Kansas City main event in April. The 27-year-old holds a 9-1 record in the promotion.