The fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker is set for November 22, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.

In the weeks before the bout, both fighters have exchanged plenty of words — from trash talk and confidence to mutual respect and strategy. Their rivalry has become one of the most talked-about stories in the lightweight division.

Using SportzOnly’s exclusive MMA Conversation tool, we looked at everything they’ve said to understand the emotions, tone, and mindset behind this heated matchup.

“I Don’t Like His Face”: Hooker’s Brutal Honesty

Dan Hooker started it first with the trashtalk saying the quote on October 2, 2025 via Submission Radio

I don’t like his face. I don’t like that his face is attached to his body, and I would love to separate the two. I don’t like the bloke. I don’t know anything about him, but I hate everything he stands for. Can’t wait to elbow him in the nose.

Dan Hooker via submission radio

but the fans on mocked for this talk and commented mocked for this statement, “I don’t know anything about him, but I hate everything he stands for”

Hearing his words Arman confidently replied

“Honestly, both[Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker] of them are easy money for me.”

– Via Ariel Helwani YT Channel

Tsarukyan’s Calm Fire: “Easy Money” and Focused Goals

Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan didn’t hold back about his plans for Hooker. “Hopefully I go and beat Hooker, perform very well, finish him, show my level, and after that get my title fight in January or February,” he said confidently.

Tsarukyan also sent a message directly to Hooker, adding,

“Nothing, just train — tell him to train how to defend wrestling. Because I’m just going to wrestle 25 minutes.”

Arman Tsarukyan

Hooker, however, wasn’t one to stay quiet. In the same interview circuit, he acknowledged Tsarukyan’s skills but made it clear he’s not backing down. “Nobody really wants to fight Arman — he’s risky,”

Hooker said. “But I don’t look for easy fights. I think he’s one of the toughest guys in the division, maybe the best technically. So that’s who I wanted.”

At the same time, Hooker didn’t hide his frustration with the Armenian-born contender’s attitude. “Arman Tsarukyan has been running his mouth since he got to the UFC,” he said. “He’s a lippy little rich kid who’s had everything handed to him. If he walks up on me like he did with Bobby Green, that fight’s off — I’ll write that in my contract.”

I’ll meet him anywhere — standing, grappling, wrestling

Still, Hooker balanced his criticism with respect for Tsarukyan’s all-around ability. “Arman is well-rounded — good everywhere, but a bit boring,” he noted. “If it stays on the feet, I’ve got the advantage, that’s obvious. But if he wants to wrestle, fine. He’ll gas himself out. I’m not avoiding any part of this fight. I’ll meet him anywhere — standing, grappling, wrestling. I just believe I’m the better fighter.”

Hooker shifted to motivation

As fight night drew closer, the New Zealander’s tone shifted from aggression to motivation. In a later interview, he said, “I feel like it’s a guy that everyone thinks is gonna beat me. I love coming into fights as a heavy underdog — that’s where I thrive.”

Respect for Tsarukyan

Despite their war of words, Hooker showed respect for Tsarukyan’s toughness and versatility. “He’s the kind of fighter that fights fire with fire,” Hooker said.

“If you strike with him, he’ll strike. If you wrestle, he’ll wrestle. Wrestling is not a one-way street.”

Dan Hooker about Arman via home of fight

Even after all the trash talk, Hooker gave credit where it was due. “Regardless of the bad blood, I feel like he’s the best fighter in the division, skill for skill, including the champion. You want to beat the best guy you can possibly get your hands on,” he added.

The tension between them continues to rise, blending competition with respect — a perfect setup for what promises to be one of the most intense lightweight battles of the year.

SportzOnly’s MMA Conversation Tool continues to chronicle these verbal exchanges, quantifying respect, confidence, and trash talk like never before — giving fans a new way to study the fight before the fight even begins.