STWF Sports|Nov. 19, 2025 – As Dan Hooker prepares to headline UFC Qatar this weekend in a high-stakes lightweight showdown against Arman Tsarukyan, the veteran contender is raising eyebrows — and his voice — about the sudden rise of one of the division’s most polarizing stars.
Hooker was visibly stunned when informed that Paddy Pimblett had climbed into the top five of the UFC lightweight rankings following UFC 322. Pimblett, who did not compete at the event, benefited from former champion Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight. Once Makhachev was officially removed from the 155lb rankings, Pimblett moved up one spot to No. 5.
Hooker’s reaction said everything.
“F** that,”* he blurted out, laughing in disbelief.
“How?! Nah — they must be giving him a title shot. They must be cherry-picking him for the title shot.”
The 35-year-old New Zealander made it clear he does not take the rankings seriously, brushing them off as “just numbers.” Still, the surprise boost for Pimblett comes at a time when the UFC has been openly courting fan-favorite matchups — and few fighters spark more reaction, positive or negative, than the Liverpudlian standout.
Pimblett’s Path to the Top 5 Raises Questions
Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC, but his résumé does not yet resemble those typically found in the division’s upper tier. His recent wins — while decisive — have come against unranked or fringe-ranked opponents. His meteoric rise has led many fighters, including Hooker, to speculate that the UFC sees Pimblett as a potential pay-per-view star and may be positioning him for a fast-tracked title opportunity.
The lightweight division, long considered the UFC’s most competitive weight class, is overflowing with elite contenders. Yet Pimblett now sits ahead of seasoned names such as Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira in the jumbled post-UFC 322 rankings.
Hooker’s own ranking improved as well — he now sits at No. 6, directly behind Pimblett — but he did not hide his skepticism about how the Liverpudlian leapfrogged the field.
Hooker Sharpens Focus on Tsarukyan After Injury Woes
Hooker’s frustrations come as he prepares for one of the most important fights of his career. After defeating Mateusz Gamrot by split decision at UFC 305 in Melbourne last year, Hooker spent months recovering from a hand injury that required surgery. He was forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout with Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 in March, later revealing a gruesome post-surgery scar.
Now back to full strength, Hooker begged UFC leadership for a fight with Tsarukyan — widely considered the best lightweight not holding the belt. The Armenian’s dominant performances have earned him the unofficial label of No. 1 contender, and Hooker wants to take that status for himself.
“It is what it is,” Hooker shrugged. “I’m here to fight the best. That’s why I asked for Arman.”
A victory on Saturday would likely earn Hooker a long-awaited title shot against reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Meanwhile, Pimblett Eyes Topuria in Rivalry Fight
Pimblett, who has long feuded with Topuria, has repeatedly stated that he wants the Spanish-Georgian champion next. Despite the skepticism from fighters and analysts, Pimblett’s undefeated record and newfound ranking have given him a legitimate argument.
If the UFC wants entertainment, a Topuria–Pimblett grudge match would be among the biggest in Europe.
Stacked UFC Qatar Card Adds More Firepower
Saturday’s event is shaping up to be a critical night for the lightweight division. Alongside Hooker vs. Tsarukyan, the card features a high-octane welterweight co-main event between Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry. Liverpudlian prospects Luke Riley and Shem Rock also make their UFC debuts.
But the storyline dominating fight week is clear:
Is Paddy Pimblett being positioned for a title shot — or is the UFC simply capitalizing on star power?
Hooker thinks the answer is obvious.
On Saturday, he hopes to make his own case undeniable.
