Get ready for a historic night of UFC action as the organization ventures into new territory with UFC Fight Night 265 in Doha, Qatar, marking a groundbreaking event for the sport in the Middle East. Streaming live on ESPN+, this card is packed with thrilling matchups and record-breaking potential that you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Belal Muhammad could tie Kamaru Usman’s record, setting the stage for a night of high stakes and unforgettable moments.
Headlining the event is a lightweight showdown between Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) and Dan Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC). Tsarukyan, riding a 9-1 streak in his last 10 UFC appearances, faces the always-dangerous Hooker, who’s undefeated (3-0) since returning to the lightweight division in 2022. This clash promises fireworks and could reshape the division’s landscape.
Belal Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC), the first and only Palestinian champion in UFC history, takes on Ian Machado Garry (16-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC). Muhammad’s 15 UFC welterweight victories place him among legends like Georges St-Pierre and Kamaru Usman. With 12 decision wins in the division, he’s just one shy of tying Usman’s record. But here’s the controversial part: Is Muhammad’s decision-heavy style a testament to his strategic brilliance or a limitation in his game? Let us know in the comments!
Garry, meanwhile, is one of only two welterweights to start 8-0 in the UFC, matching Usman’s feat. This bout pits a seasoned veteran against a rising star, with both fighters looking to solidify their place in the rankings.
Jack Hermansson (24-9 MMA, 11-7 UFC) makes his welterweight debut after 18 middleweight fights, facing Myktybek Orolbai. Serghei Spivac (17-6 MMA, 8-6 UFC) brings his dominant grappling to the heavyweight division, boasting a 62% takedown accuracy—second only to Cheick Kongo. And Tagir Ulanbekov (18-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) defends his four-fight winning streak at flyweight against Kyoji Horiguchi (34-5 MMA, 7-1 UFC), returning to the UFC after nearly eight years.
Alex Perez (24-9 MMA, 6-5 UFC) and Asu Almabayev (22-3 MMA, 5-1 UFC) collide in a flyweight bout that pits Perez’s finishing ability (one of only 18 UFC leg-kick finishes) against Almabayev’s stellar defense (absorbing just 1.75 significant strikes per minute).
And this is the part most people miss: Rafael Cerqueira (11-3 MMA, 0-3 UFC) looks to snap a three-fight losing streak after a previously undefeated start to his career. Can he turn it around, or will his struggles continue?
With so many storylines and records on the line, UFC Fight Night 265 is a must-watch event. But here’s the burning question: Who do you think will steal the show, and which fighter’s legacy is on the line? Share your thoughts below!
