UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has made it clear he is ready to step in if fight week tensions spill over in Qatar, throwing his full support behind top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan ahead of a crucial main-event showdown with Dan Hooker. Fight week drama, already simmering behind the scenes, could reach a boiling point as several rivalries converge in Al Rayyan.
Chimaev has travelled to Qatar to back Tsarukyan as the Armenian star prepares for one of the biggest opportunities of his career. Defeating Hooker in Saturday’s UFC Qatar main event would put Tsarukyan in prime position for a shot at Ilia Topuria’s 155-pound title. But it has not just been training sessions, media duties and ceremonial weigh-ins capturing attention this week – fight week tensions have escalated with multiple fighters crossing paths at pivotal moments.
Before Tsarukyan and Hooker step into the cage, a key welterweight clash between Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry will unfold, setting the tone for an already heated night. Topuria, the reigning featherweight king, is also in town to corner his brother, and his presence alone has amplified the intensity. The Spaniard narrowly avoided a physical run-in with Tsarukyan earlier in the week, a moment that quickly spread across social media and fuelled speculation about a potential confrontation at the arena.
Given Topuria’s famously combustible history — including his now-iconic London altercation with Paddy Pimblett — and Tsarukyan’s past confrontation with King Green in Austin, the threat of backstage clashes is real. Fans and analysts alike have seen enough from both men to know that even the smallest spark can ignite a situation instantly. And with Chimaev standing alongside Tsarukyan, the stakes of any potential conflict have risen dramatically.
The undefeated UFC middleweight champion has never hesitated to back his allies, and he made his intentions clear during a vlog posted on YouTube by Adam Zubayraev, later translated by @Home_of_Fight on social media. If any situation unfolds, Chimaev says he will not allow his teammate to be outnumbered or disrespected.
“If something happens… they’ll fight [each other] one on one, we will beat the ones who try to jump in,” Chimaev declared, making it clear that he is prepared to intervene if the heat between camps escalates.
Even as he acknowledged the possibility of conflict, Chimaev stressed that his hope is for the hype to fuel interest rather than violence. “I don’t think anything like that will happen. This is a sport, and we need that kind of hype,” he said. “We need big fights, so they are working in the right direction.”
His comments reflect the fine line that fight promotion often walks. Rivalries sell fights, and heated encounters generate buzz, but chaotic physical altercations can derail entire events. Still, with personalities like Topuria, Tsarukyan and Pimblett involved, confrontation often feels one push away.
As if tensions between Tsarukyan and Topuria were not enough, another rivalry resurfaced on Friday when Paddy Pimblett crossed paths with the featherweight champion. Pimblett, in Qatar to support teammates Luke Riley and Shem Rock, has been angling for his own shot at Topuria ever since the two exchanged heated words after Topuria’s title win at UFC 317. Given both men were circulating media and fighter areas this week, their eventual face-to-face moment felt inevitable.
When it finally happened, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Topuria and Pimblett exchanged words, and UFC security reacted quickly, stepping between the two men before tempers could boil over. Even though the encounter ended before escalating, it injected even more excitement into an already charged event. Fans are now speculating whether Pimblett could emerge as a future challenger should he continue climbing the lightweight ranks.
For Tsarukyan, the immediate mission is clear: defeat Hooker and secure the long-awaited opportunity to challenge for UFC gold. A victory against a dangerous veteran like Hooker would not only bolster his resume but also position him perfectly for a title shot — especially if Topuria remains interested in trouble outside his weight class.
Hooker, known for accepting difficult fights and bringing relentless pressure, presents a legitimate threat. His experience against elite competition and his willingness to trade in the pocket make him one of the division’s most respected and unpredictable opponents. For Tsarukyan, staying composed amidst the chaos of fight week is just as crucial as staying sharp in the Octagon.
With Chimaev by his side, the Armenian contender appears more confident than ever. The middleweight champion’s presence is not only a symbol of loyalty but also a psychological weapon. Few athletes command the aura that Chimaev does, and his readiness to physically defend Tsarukyan if tensions rise could deter any contender from engaging in reckless behaviour.
Meanwhile, Topuria remains a focal point of fight week. As he prepares to corner his brother, he also finds himself orbiting multiple rivalries at once. Between Tsarukyan seeking his title, Pimblett reigniting their feud, and long-term challengers lining up, the Spaniard’s presence alone has raised the temperature in Qatar.
While fight night promises world-class performances inside the cage, the drama outside it has already delivered its own headline-worthy moments. From near altercations to public warnings and resurfacing rivalries, UFC Qatar has quickly become one of the most compelling events of the year. And with Chimaev now on high alert, fans will be watching closely to see whether the night stays within the bounds of professional competition — or spills over into something far more chaotic.
As Saturday approaches, all eyes remain fixed on the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena. Tsarukyan’s quest for gold, Hooker’s resilience, Topuria’s growing list of rivals, and Chimaev’s looming presence have created the perfect storm for an unforgettable night. Whether the tensions resolve peacefully or explode in dramatic fashion, UFC Qatar is primed to deliver intensity both inside and outside the Octagon.
