UFC Fight Night 265 on November 22, 2025 features a crucial lightweight showdown between surging Armenian contender Arman Tsarukyan and battle-tested New Zealand striker Dan Hooker. Tsarukyan enters the bout as the number one contender, while Hooker sits inside the top ten. The winner could move directly into the title conversation in one of the deepest divisions in the sport.
Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan (22–3) has quickly established himself as one of the top lightweights in the world. His recent victories over Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Damir Ismagulov, and Joaquim Silva highlight his rise. Tsarukyan is respected for his high-level chain wrestling, explosive athleticism, and improving striking, which makes him one of the most complete fighters in the division.
Since his UFC debut loss in a memorable Fight of the Night against Islam Makhachev, Tsarukyan has only been beaten by Mateusz Gamrot in a close five-round contest. His latest performance was a split decision win over Charles Oliveira, where he survived several dangerous submission attempts and showed elite composure and defense.
Arman Tsarukyan – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Charles Oliveira, Decision (Split), UFC 300, Apr 13, 2024
* Win vs. Beneil Dariush, KO (Knee and Punches), UFC on ESPN 52, Dec 2, 2023
* Win vs. Joaquim Silva, TKO (Punches), UFC on ESPN 47, Jun 17, 2023
* Win vs. Damir Ismagulov, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night 216, Dec 17, 2022
* Loss vs. Mateusz Gamrot, Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN 38, Jun 25, 2022
Keys: Tsarukyan’s success comes from constant forward pressure. He pairs elite wrestling with clean boxing combinations and uses speed, athletic scrambles, and deep cardio to control the pace. Whether he is clinching, countering, or pushing a fast striking tempo, he forces opponents to fight on his terms.
Dan Hooker
Dan Hooker (24–12) remains one of the toughest and most seasoned contenders at lightweight. A former King in the Ring kickboxing champion with eleven UFC knockouts, Hooker has earned wins over Mateusz Gamrot, Jalin Turner, Claudio Puelles, Al Iaquinta, and Gilbert Burns. He excels in long-range kickboxing, mixes in powerful knees, and always brings a high-volume, high-pressure style that makes his fights exciting and unpredictable. His most recent outing was a split decision win over Gamrot in August 2024.
Dan Hooker – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Mateusz Gamrot, Decision (Split), UFC 305, Aug 18, 2024
* Win vs. Jalin Turner, Decision (Split), UFC 290, Jul 8, 2023
* Win vs. Claudio Puelles, TKO (Body Kick), UFC 281, Nov 12, 2022
* Loss vs. Arnold Allen, TKO (Punches and Elbows), UFC Fight Night 204, Mar 19, 2022
* Loss vs. Islam Makhachev, Submission (Kimura), UFC 267, Oct 30, 2021
Keys: Hooker needs to control range and use his reach advantage. His front kicks, long punches, and signature knees are crucial for stopping Tsarukyan’s entries. His guillotine choke is also a real threat against wrestlers. If he can turn the fight into a striking battle, his toughness and power give him a realistic chance to pull off the upset.
Fight Breakdown
The matchup pits Tsarukyan’s relentless wrestling and pressure against Hooker’s long-range striking and creativity. Tsarukyan will constantly look for takedowns and top control, which will test Hooker’s defensive grappling and ability to stay upright. Hooker’s best moments will come at distance, where he can land knees and straight shots. If the fight stays standing for long stretches, Hooker becomes dangerous, but Tsarukyan’s pace and conditioning typically begin to take over by the second or third round.
Prediction
Hooker should find some success with knees and counters early, but Tsarukyan’s nonstop wrestling and ability to blend striking with grappling give him the clearest path to victory. Expect Tsarukyan to take control in the later rounds and continue his push toward a title shot.
Prediction: Arman Tsarukyan defeats Dan Hooker by Unanimous Decision
A strong performance from Tsarukyan could confirm his position as the top contender at lightweight. A Hooker upset would stand as one of the most memorable victories in New Zealand MMA history.