Get ready for a fight that’s bound to spark heated debates—because when it comes to the upcoming UFC Fight Night 265 main event, opinions are as divided as they get. Ali Abdelaziz isn’t holding back his predictions: he’s convinced Arman Tsarukyan will dominate Dan Hooker in a way that’s nothing short of brutal. But here’s where it gets controversial—Abdelaziz isn’t just predicting a win; he’s forecasting a one-sided ‘torture session.’
On November 22 at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, Dan Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) steps into the octagon against top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC). The stakes are high, but according to Abdelaziz, the outcome is all but certain. Speaking to Submission Radio, he didn’t mince words: ‘Arman’s going to beat the sh*t out of Dan Hooker.’ Bold? Absolutely. But Abdelaziz backs it up by pointing to what he sees as a glaring skill gap between the two fighters. ‘There are levels to this game,’ he explained, ‘and Arman is on a completely different level.’
And this is the part most people miss—Abdelaziz’s critique of Hooker goes beyond the fight itself. He openly admits he doesn’t respect Hooker, citing past controversies, including accusations of lying about Islam Makhachev and the IV incident. ‘I don’t think he should have done that,’ Abdelaziz stated firmly. Yet, he’s quick to clarify: ‘I don’t have anything against him personally.’ It’s a fine line between personal feelings and professional judgment, but Abdelaziz walks it with confidence.
Let’s not forget the history here. Hooker was swiftly submitted by Abdelaziz-managed fighter Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, a bout that showcased the lightweight champion’s dominance. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has his own history with Makhachev, losing to him in his UFC debut and later withdrawing from a scheduled title rematch at UFC 311. These storylines add layers to the narrative, making this fight about more than just two athletes in the octagon.
But here’s the real question: Is Abdelaziz’s prediction a fair assessment, or is he underestimating Hooker’s ability to rise to the occasion? Hooker, after all, has nothing to lose and everything to prove. Could this be the fight where he silences the doubters? Or will Tsarukyan’s skill set prove too much to handle? This is where the controversy lies—and it’s what makes this matchup so compelling.
What do you think? Is Abdelaziz spot-on, or is he overlooking Hooker’s potential for an upset? Let’s hear your take in the comments—because when it comes to this fight, there’s no shortage of opinions to go around.
