The rivalry between fighters often stirs up intense emotions and bold predictions, and this time, Ali Abdelaziz's comments about the upcoming UFC lightweight bout have certainly sparked controversy. He confidently claims that Arman Tsarukyan will dominate and 'beat the sh*t out of' Dan Hooker, leaving little room for doubt about his prediction. The fight is scheduled for UFC Fight Night 265 on November 22nd, taking place at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, with the event broadcast on ESPN+.
Abdelaziz, who manages Tsarukyan, appears to dismiss Hooker's chances entirely. When asked about the matchup, he made his stance crystal clear: he believes Tsarukyan will completely overpower Hooker. His comments go beyond simple prediction—they carry a tone of certainty and even disdain. Abdelaziz stated, 'I think Arman's going to beat the sh*t out of Dan Hooker.' He emphasized that, in his view, there are clear differences in skill levels between the two fighters, with Tsarukyan operating on a much higher plane.
But here’s where it gets controversial—Abdelaziz expressed a lack of respect for Hooker outside the octagon, criticizing him for allegedly lying about issues related to Islam and the use of IVs. He remarked, 'I don’t respect Dan Hooker because he lied about Islam and the IV stuff, and I don’t think he should have done that.' Despite this personal disdain, Abdelaziz clarified that it does not mean he hates Hooker as a person, but he doesn’t hold him in high regard. He pointed out that Hooker was defeated decisively by Islam Makhachev, whom Abdelaziz also manages, in their UFC 267 bout, implying that Hooker’s fighting ability is questionable.
Looking at their histories, Tsarukyan lost to Makhachev in his UFC debut, and the two were even slated for a rematch for the lightweight title at UFC 311. However, Tsarukyan withdrew from that fight at the last minute, which adds a layer of intrigue to his career trajectory and motivations.
This prediction isn’t just about a fight; it’s a statement that highlights the high confidence some managers and fighters have in their own athletes’ superiority. Do you agree with Abdelaziz that Tsarukyan will overwhelmingly outmatch Hooker? Or do you think Hooker might surprise everyone? The MMA world loves a good underdog story, and this matchup promises plenty of drama—both inside and outside the cage.
