Dan Hooker: Defeating Arman Tsarukyan is My Path to the Title, Not a Headache

The seventh-ranked UFC lightweight from New Zealand, **[Dan Hooker](https://www.example.com)**, elaborated on why he is pleased to face **[Arman Tsarukyan](https://www.example.com)** in his next fight. Their matchup will headline UFC Fight Night 264 on November 22.

“Justin Gaethje isn’t the right opponent for me. He won’t lead me to a title shot. A fight with Justin Gaethje guarantees a lot of headaches. Arman Tsarukyan, on the other hand, is a path to the championship. He represents an opportunity to become a champion and be the best fighter.

I’m thrilled about this fight because everyone believes he is far superior to me. That’s exactly why I’m excited to face him. If I execute my game plan well, he could end up looking foolish, especially with the narrative that he’s a super athlete and a title contender. They say he should defeat Ilia Topuria and that the champion is avoiding him. That’s the story they tell. Now, imagine if he loses to Dan Hooker, a guy from New Zealand who has a third of his fights as losses. I think he has a lot more to prove in this matchup, which puts him in a tough spot,” Hooker shared in a video on the **[YouTube channel](https://www.example.com)** of Sky Sport NZ.