Get ready for a fight that’s bound to spark heated debates! Ali Abdelaziz isn’t holding back when it comes to his prediction for the upcoming clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker. In a bold statement, Abdelaziz claims Tsarukyan will not only dominate but ‘torture and beat the sht out of Dan Hooker’—a prediction that’s as controversial as it is confident. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Abdelaziz doesn’t just see this as a win for Tsarukyan; he views it as a mismatch of skill levels, with Tsarukyan operating on a *‘completely different level’ than Hooker.
Set to headline UFC Fight Night 265 on November 22 at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar (streaming on ESPN+), this lightweight showdown pits Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) against the rising contender Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC). On paper, Hooker enters as the underdog, and Abdelaziz believes the odds couldn’t be more accurate. But his critique goes beyond the numbers—it’s personal. Abdelaziz openly admits he doesn’t respect Hooker, citing past controversies, including Hooker’s comments about Islam Makhachev and the IV incident. ‘He’s a liar,’ Abdelaziz bluntly states, though he clarifies, ‘I don’t have anything against him as a person.’
And this is the part most people miss: Abdelaziz’s history with Hooker runs deeper than just words. When Hooker faced Abdelaziz-managed fighter Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, Makhachev swiftly submitted him. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has his own history with Makhachev, losing to him in his UFC debut and later withdrawing from a scheduled title rematch at UFC 311. These interconnected storylines add layers of intrigue to the upcoming bout.
Abdelaziz’s prediction isn’t just about who wins—it’s about the ‘torture’ Hooker will endure. ‘He has nothing to lose,’ Abdelaziz notes, but he’s convinced Tsarukyan will make him pay dearly. Whether you agree with Abdelaziz’s harsh words or think Hooker has a fighting chance, one thing’s certain: this fight is shaping up to be a must-watch.
Controversial take alert: Is Abdelaziz’s prediction fair, or is he underestimating Hooker’s resilience? And does Hooker’s past behavior warrant such strong criticism? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!