Outside Source
Tsarukyan and Hooker headline UFC Qatar on Saturday at the ABHA Arena in Doha. Masvidal has been a longtime teammate of Tsarukyan at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. “Gamebred” believes his teammate will likely have an easy night at the office against Hooker. While Masvidal lauds Hooker’s toughness, he believes “The Hangman” is not skilled enough for Tsarukyan.
Advertisement
“I’ve trained extensively with Arman,” Masvidal told Nina Marie Daniele. “I think Hooker is one of the toughest guys on the roster. But his skill is limited and what he can do, his athleticism as well. I think Arman can make it an easy fight. He’s a little faster on the feet, very explosive, can get easy takedowns on [Hooker] and can control him. I think stylistically it’s a bad fight for Hooker.”
Hooker’s Ugly Path to Victory
Masvidal advises Hooker to make it an ugly fight to have any chance against “Ahalkalakets,” who likes to fight technically.
“I think Hooker’s gonna have to make it dirty. Not give up any takedowns obviously. Arman’s more of a pretty boy, stay outside, clean. I think Hooker’s gonna have to make it a war to beat him,” Masvidal said.
Tsarukyan (22-3) has only lost to Islam Makhachev and Mateusz Gamrot in 11 UFC outings and currently rides a four-fight winning streak. Meanwhile, Hooker (24-12) is on a three-fight winning streak and coming off a split decision win over Gamrot.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
Help support MMACrazies.com when you shop Amazon by starting your online Amazon shopping at MMACrazies.com/recommends/amazon. You are not charged extra, but we receive a small and very helpful commission on everything you purchase. Thanks for thinking of us every time you shop at Amazon.
