Join the Miguel Delaney Inside Football Get exclusive insights and behind-the scenes access to the Miguel Delaney: inside newsletter Football NewsletterJoin the Miguel Delaney inside Football newsletterArman Tsarukyan and Ian Machado Garry staked their claims for UFC title shots on Saturday, as each secured vital victories in Doha.As the UFC visited Qatar for the first time, Tsarukyan submitted fan favourite Dan Hooker in the second round of the main event, exhibiting his well-rounded skillset to damage the New Zealander badly en route to the finish.That finish came through an arm-triangle choke, and it might set up Tsarukyan for a shot at the lightweight title, currently held by Ilia Topuria.Topuria was in attendance at UFC Qatar to support his brother Aleksandre, who picked up a bantamweight win earlier in the night, and also present was Paddy Pimblett, who may yet beat Tsarukyan to a title shot.Pimblett was in Doha to help coach his teammates, UFC debutants Shaqueme Rock and Luke Riley – the former of whom lost, and the latter of whom won. Paddy Pimblett, who may yet beat Tsarukyan to a title shot, was also present at UFC Qatar. He was there to help coach his teammates Shaqueme Rock and Luke Riley – the former of whom lost and the latter of whom won. “Paddy The Baddy”’s long-term grudge with Topuria, the Liverpudlian could be next in line for a title fight.Still, Armenia’s Tsarukyan made a statement with his victory, which came 10 months after he withdrew from a fight with then-champion Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan, 29, cited a back injury at the time.In Saturday’s co-main event, Machado Garry won a unanimous decision against former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, earning scorecards of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.open image in galleryIan Machado Garry has built an impressive resume at 170lb (Getty Images)That result might have edged the Irishman, 28, closer to his own title shot at 170lb, although it follows more-emphatic wins for other welterweights just seven days ago.At UFC 322 on 15 November, Carlos Prates knocked out ex-champion Leon Edwards, and Michael Morales stopped contender Sean Brady. The results of the UFC 322 on 15 November saw Carlos Prates knock out former champion Leon Edwards, and Michael Morales stop contender Sean Brady.
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2025-11-22 22:51:43
