New Zealand MMA figter Dan Hooker. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Kiwi lightweight Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker is set to return to the octagon for the first time in more than a year.
Hooker will main event UFC Qatar against Armenia's Arman Tsarukyan, the second ranked lightweight in the division, on November 23.
Hooker (24-12) has 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), back in June of 2022.
Both men were forced to pull out of their previously scheduled bouts with injury.
Hooker, sitting sixth in the rankings, was set to meet fellow division fan favourite Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 but had to withdraw with a fractured hand.
Tsarukyan meanwhile was scheduled for a shot at gold against Islam Makhachev at 313, but a back injury the day before the bout sidelined him.
A dominant win for either Hooker or Tsarukyan could see them next in line challenge champion Ilia Topuria.
Hooker shared the fight announcement on his social media with the caption, "I'll cave his head in."
The 35-year-old has kept busy while out with injury, promoting his own series of underground fights dubbed 'one minute scraps.'
The events, which have included tournaments with men, women and convicts brawling for sixty seconds has garnered plenty of attention from boxing purists, to police, while exploding on social media.
The card will be held at Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena, with welterweights Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry serving as the co-main.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
