Arman Tsarukyan headbutts Dan Hooker ahead of first ever UFC event in Qatar

Ahead of the UFC's first event in Qatar, lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan headbutted his opponent, Kiwi Dan Hooker, during the weigh-in.

Tsarukyan (22-3) headbutted Hooker (24-12) as the two were meant to face off for the final time before their five-round fight on Sunday.

Hooker was not injured by the blow and had a huge smile on his face as security gathered around the two.

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"Let's go, I love it," Hooker said.

Tsarukyan was suspended and fined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in 2024 after he threw a punch at a fan during his walkout to the Octagon at UFC 300.

Both fighters are seeking to position themselves for a title shot against Ilia Topuria.

It's the first fight for both in 2025, with Tsarukyan, the No. 1-ranked contender, the odds-on favourite.

The Armenian fighter was scheduled for a title shot at UFC 311 in January against then-champion Islam Makhachev but was forced to pull out due to back spasms.

Tsarukyan has not fought since.

Although the 29-year-old did weigh in successfully as the backup fighter at UFC 317, this will be his first fight since a split decision win over Charles Oliveira in April 2024.

"It's so important to go there and to show I'm on a different level (and) dominate," Tsarukyan told UFC.com.

"I've been working for this a long time ... I just want to see where my skills (are) right now, and I know I can go there and knock (him out)."

Hooker is coming off his own injury after a split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot in August 2024 helped thrust the 35-year-old back up the contender rankings at No.6 by the UFC.

This might prove to be Hooker's final opportunity to fight for his first career UFC title.

- with wires