Arman Tsarukyan headbutted Dan Hooker during the final face-off before their lightweight bout at UFC Qatar on Saturday.
The rivals have exchanged verbal jabs throughout the build-up with the winner hoping to secure the next title shot against reigning champion Ilia Topuria.
With both men making weight on Friday, Tsarukyan aimed a headbutt at Hooker during their staredown as the New Zealander feinted and bounced in front of him.
Security quickly rushed in to separate the fighters and Hooker seemed unfazed by the altercation, smiling and laughing.
“Let’s go, I love it – bring it on,” Hooker said on stage.
Armenia’s Tsarukyan, 29, is the number one ranked lightweight in the division but should he win, may be passed over for a title shot.
Liverpudlian Paddy Pimblett or American Justin Gaethje seem in a better position to fight Topuria.
Pimblett surged up the rankings to fifth this week despite having not fought since April.
Tsarukyan pulled out of his title fight against then champion Islam Makhachev in January with a back injury, and his bout against 35-year-old Hooker is his first since recovering.
“I am going to show great knockout and going to get my title next,” Tsarukyan said.
Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry also made weight for his welterweight fight against former champion Belal Muhammad.
A knockout performance from the 28-year-old might mean Machado Garry leapfrogs rival welterweight contenders for a title shot.
Arman Tsarukyan is a heavy favorite at -650 against Dan Hooker (+470) in the main event
Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad faces Ian Machado Garry in the co-main event, with Garry favored at -270
The event takes place November 22 at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar (1 p.m. ET on ESPN+)
Experts predict Tsarukyan will control Hooker with wrestling and ground control for most of the fight
Muhammad returns after losing his title to Jack Della Maddalena in May 2025.
