The UFC kicked off a new era in mixed martial arts on Friday, November 21, 2025, as all 14 fighters successfully made weight for its first-ever event in Qatar. The official weigh-in took place at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, setting the stage for UFC Fight Night 265Al Rayyan — a landmark night that cements Qatar as the second Middle Eastern hub for the world’s premier MMA organization, joining Abu Dhabi.
Historic Weigh-In, High Stakes
The spotlight fell squarely on the main event: Arman Tsarukyan, the 29-year-old Armenian powerhouse with a 22-3 record, and Dan Hooker, the 34-year-old New Zealand veteran ranked sixth in the lightweight division. Tsarukyan checked in at 156 pounds, while Hooker weighed in at 155 pounds according to Sportsnet — or 155.5 pounds per The Body Lock MMA. Both fell comfortably under the non-title lightweight limit of 156 pounds, a crucial detail given the title implications hanging over this bout.For Tsarukyan, this is more than just another win. After being sidelined earlier in 2025 by a shoulder injury that cost him a shot at the belt, he’s been on a mission. Nine wins in his last ten fights — including five finishes — have turned him into the division’s most dangerous rising star. "This fight proves I’m ready for the top of the division," he told reporters, his voice calm but eyes sharp. He’s not just fighting for a win. He’s fighting for his place at the table.
Hooker, meanwhile, has spent years as the fighter everyone underestimates. A 24-12 record might look uneven, but look closer: he’s beaten top-10 names, survived brutal wars, and never backed down. "I perform best as an underdog," he said, smirking as he adjusted his towel. "And fans in Qatar? They’re going to see a show. I promise you that."
The Undercard: Stars Rise, Veterans Return
The undercard didn’t just fill time — it stole the show. Belal Muhammad, the former welterweight champion, returned to the cage at 171 pounds after his May 2025 title loss. Opposing him is Ian Machado Garry, the 27-year-old phenom who weighed in at 170 pounds. Garry, fresh off his April win over Carlos Prates, is the future. Muhammad? He’s still the present — and he’s hungry to reclaim it.Then there’s Waldo Cortes-Acosta. He didn’t even know he was fighting until less than 72 hours ago, replacing Serghei Spivac. He flew 18 hours from his home, landed in Doha, and still hit the exact 265-pound heavyweight limit. His opponent, Shamil Gaziev, weighed 262 pounds. Cortes-Acosta’s story isn’t just about toughness — it’s about the brutal, beautiful reality of MMA. One call. One flight. One chance.
Other notable weigh-ins included Volkan Oezdemir and Alonzo Menifield at 206 pounds, Jack Hermansson at 170.5 pounds, and a flyweight clash between Tagir Ulanbekov and Kyoji Horiguchi — two veterans with 45 combined fights in the UFC. This wasn’t just a card. It was a statement.
Why Qatar Matters
The UFC’s move into Qatar isn’t random. It’s strategic. Since 2020, the organization has built a loyal fanbase in Abu Dhabi through its "Fight Island" series. Now, with Qatar’s state-backed infrastructure, world-class venues, and aggressive investment in global sports, the UFC sees a natural extension. This isn’t just about new markets — it’s about legitimacy. When a nation hosts its first UFC event, it’s signaling to the world: we’re serious about combat sports.And the timing? Perfect. With the Middle East becoming a powerhouse for global athletics — hosting World Cups, F1 races, and now MMA’s biggest stage — the UFC is positioning itself as part of the region’s long-term sports legacy. The crowd here won’t just be local. It’ll be international. Fans from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, even Europe and North America are already booking flights.
What’s Next
The main card begins at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, November 22, 2025, streaming live on ESPN+. But the real question isn’t who wins — it’s who emerges as the next contender. A Tsarukyan victory could catapult him into a title eliminator. A Hooker upset? He’ll suddenly be the most dangerous name on the board. And if Machado Garry beats Muhammad? The welterweight division could be turned upside down before Christmas.The UFC’s expansion into the Middle East isn’t slowing down. With Qatar now on the map, the next stop could be Riyadh. Or Kuwait. Or even Oman. This isn’t a one-off. It’s the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect the UFC lightweight title picture?
The winner of Tsarukyan vs. Hooker is likely to be next in line for a title shot. With champion Islam Makhachev expected to defend his belt in early 2026, a dominant performance here — especially by Tsarukyan — could fast-track him into the top contender spot. Hooker’s win would make him the most dangerous underdog in the division since Justin Gaethje’s rise.
Why did the UFC choose Qatar over other Middle Eastern countries?
Qatar offers unmatched infrastructure: the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena is a state-of-the-art venue built for international events, with seamless logistics, high-capacity broadcasting, and strong government backing. Unlike some neighbors, Qatar has a proven track record hosting global sports — from the 2022 World Cup to Formula 1 — making it the safest, most reliable choice for the UFC’s first Middle Eastern event.
What’s the significance of Waldo Cortes-Acosta stepping in on short notice?
Cortes-Acosta’s last-minute replacement highlights the UFC’s depth — and the brutal reality fighters face. He traveled 18 hours, had under 72 hours to prepare, and still hit his weight exactly. His performance against Gaziev could earn him a contract extension or even a ranking boost. Short-notice wins often launch careers.
How does this event compare to UFC’s previous events in Abu Dhabi?
While Abu Dhabi’s "Fight Island" events were held in a controlled, isolated environment, Qatar’s event is fully integrated into a bustling city with live crowds and global media attention. The scale is bigger, the atmosphere is more electric, and the stakes feel higher. This isn’t a temporary setup — it’s a permanent foothold.
Who are the biggest sleeper picks on this card?
Ian Machado Garry is the most obvious. At 13-2 and just 27, he’s got the speed, striking, and composure to outclass Belal Muhammad, who’s been out for six months. Also watch Tagir Ulanbekov — his grappling could shut down veteran Kyoji Horiguchi, who’s lost three of his last five. Both could be breakout stars by Sunday morning.
Will the UFC return to Qatar in 2026?
Almost certainly. UFC President Dana White has publicly praised Qatar’s organization and fan engagement. With a successful debut, the UFC is likely to schedule at least two events per year in the region by 2026 — possibly alternating between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The Middle East is now a core market, not a side experiment.
