No One Wants to Fight Tsarukyan, and I Know Why: Dan Hooker

The sixth-ranked lightweight in the UFC, Dan Hooker, has commented on remarks made by UFC President Dana White regarding top contender Arman Tsarukyan in the same weight class.

"This is just a game. Ilia seems to be waiting for something. Although this fight would make sense for him. But it seems that no one wants to fight Arman, and I know why," Hooker stated while laughing during an interview with Submission Radio.

It is worth noting that Tsarukyan and Hooker fought on November 22 at UFC Fight Night 265, held in Doha, Qatar. Arman won the match via submission in the second round.

Earlier, it was announced that Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will compete for the interim title at the beginning of 2026, although the main contender in the 70 kg weight class is Arman Tsarukyan representing Armenia.