New Zealand MMA figter Dan Hooker. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand MMA legend Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker's quest for the UFC lightweight strap has officially ended at the hands of a ruthless Arman Tsarukyan.
Hooker was dominated by the division's number one contender in Doha, as the Armenian submitted the Kiwi in round two with an arm triangle.
There was plenty of trash talk in the build up to the bout, but ultimately Hooker had no answers for Tsarukyan in the cage.
Hooker found some success in the opening five minutes, and even had Tsarukyan in a guillotine at one point, but Tsarukyan survived to put on a second-round clinic.
A seemingly effortless single leg took Hooker to the mat and the Armenian quickly took top position, rained down ground and pound before finding the finish.
Tsarukyan then called for a fight with champion Ilia Topuria, which will be hard to deny him after a fifth consecutive win over an established name.
For Hooker however, it appears his dreams of UFC gold are all but over.
Relive the action with RNZ's live blog:
Hooker (24-12) had not fought since August 2024, a split-decision win over Mateuesz Gamrot at UFC 305.
Gamrot was also the last man to defeat Tsarukyan (22-3) in June 2022.
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Dan Hooker takes a three-fight winning streak into his fight against Arman Tsarukyan. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
