UFC Fight Night Predictions: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker Picks & Odds

• Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Qatar is headlined by the Tsarukyan vs Hooker Lightweight bout
• Tsarukyan is 9-1 in his last 10 fights
• See my final UFC Fight Night predictions and picks below, plus the latest betting odds

The UFC touches down in Qatar this weekend for a card headlined by Lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker. The two have been jawing at each other for years, and will finally settle their beef in the Octagon on Saturday.

Tsarukyan is apparently chomping at the bit, headbutting Hooker during the weigh-in on Friday. Online sportsbooks view this as a one-sided affair in favor of the Armenian, and after digging into the bout it’s hard to make a case against him.

The prelims are set to get underway at 10 am ET on ESPN+, with the Main Card fights starting at 1 pm ET on ESPN+ as well.

Here are my UFC Fight Night predictions, picks and odds for my favorite fights on the card.

Tsarukyan vs. Hooker Prediction

Saturday will mark Tsarukyan’s first bout since April, 2024, but that didn’t stop oddsmakers from pegging him as a -700 favorite. He was supposed to fight for the Lightweight title earlier this year, but had to pull out at the last minute with back spasms. Tsarukyan is 9-1 in his last 10 UFC fights, with the lone loss coming in a decision that the bulk of the MMA world thought he won.

Tale of the Tape

Hooker meanwhile, is fresh off three straight victories, which followed four losses in previous five bouts. He’s known for his heavy hands and knockout power, but is giving up a ton of skill on the mat.

Make no mistake, that’s where this fight is going to end up. Tsarukyan averages 3.25 takedowns per 15 minutes, and can impose his will with his elite wrestling. The Armenian has fought and beaten some of the best grapplers in this class, and has also navigated the top striking Lightweights as well.

On the ground, he’ll control the fight and will deploy ground and pound if there’s even the slightest opening. Hooker is no stranger to being finished, having lost three bouts by knockout, while Tsaruykan has 10 finishes on his UFC resume.

• Tsarukyan vs Hooker Picks: Tsaruykan Win by KO/TKO/DQ or Submission (-160)

UFC Fight Night – Main Card

Odds as of November 21 at DraftKings. Check out the best UFC betting apps for UFC Fight Night on Saturday.

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Bujlo vs Freeman Prediction

I’m going to skip the Co-Main Event between Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry to focus on some of the less hyped fights. Marek Bujlo vs Denzel Freeman certainly fits that category, as few people have this fight on their radar.

These two are making their UFC debuts on Saturday, and we shouldn’t expect this bout to last very long. Buljo has never made it past the first two minutes of a professional fight, and has never defeated a fighter with a winning record. His wrestling and striking are limited, and he’s not going to pose much a threat to Freeman.

The American is a former Marine, who’s a bigger fighter and a better athlete than his opponent. He’s also a superior grappler, and I expect him to take Buljo down early and finish him within the first round and a half.

• Bujlo vs Freeman Picks: Freeman to Win and Under 1.5 Rounds (+110)

Oezdemir vs Menifield Prediction

My final best bet comes from the Volkan Oezdemir vs Alonzo Menifield bout, which promises to be an all-out brawl. Both of these fighters want to stay on their fee tand throw haymakers, with each owning a knockout rate north of 50%.

Oezdemir looked like a shell of his former self in his last fight, and is giving up a reach advantage to the American. Menifield may not have the resume his opponent does, but he’s the more accurate striker, with the heavier set of hands.

This bout is going to come down to who can land the knockout punch. That makes the outcome closer to a coinflip than it’s currently priced, which is why I’m betting Menifield to pull off the upset.

• Oezdemir vs Menifield Pick: Menifield to Win (+195)