Beneil Dariush expects Arman Tsarukyan to beat Dan Hooker, but thinks five rounds could make things interesting.

Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) takes on Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) in the UFC Fight Night 265 main event on Nov. 22 at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar (ESPN+).

Dariush (23-6-1 MMA, 17-6-1 UFC) was knocked out by Tsarukyan in their lightweight bout in December 2023, and sees why he's a heavy favorite against Hooker. However, Dariush isn't ready to entirely count out "The Hangman."

"Yes, I do think he beats Dan Hooker, and I think he could do it very dominantly," Dariush told MMA Junkie. "But, a five-round fight, I've got to tell you, man: Dan Hooker is a dog. He doesn't have to win the first two rounds, but if he just does well in the first two rounds, that'll be a really interesting fight. What I mean by well is keeping the fight close and making Arman work. The five rounds will be really interesting to watch, so I think that'll be a really fun fight to watch."

Tsarukyan lost his title shot when he withdrew from his fight against Islam Makhachev just a day before UFC 311 in January. He has not fought since edging out Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Beneil Dariush: Arman Tsarukyan could dominate, but Dan Hooker a 'dog'

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