The UFC makes their highly anticipated debut this weekend in Doha, Qatar with an exciting night of fights. UFC Qatar is led by elite lightweights, Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker is a fight brewed in bad blood and a perfect main event.
The supporting cast consists of an array of talent hoping to make statements on a historic evening. After an incredible UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden, welterweight is one of the most exciting divisions in the sport and another top match takes place at UFC Qatar. Former champion Belal Muhammed takes on Ian Machado Garry in the co-main event in Doha.
During the preliminaries, two Brits from the northwest of England will make their long-awaited UFC debuts. Both born in Liverpool and fighting out of Britain’s top Gym NextGenMMA, the pair will be hoping to impress on their debut at the big show. Both men train alongside superstar Paddy Pimblett and have an abundance of personality and skills.
Luke Riley vs. Bogdan Grad
Luke Riley is one of the most promising featherweight prospects in the world. Signing with the UFC seemed inevitable and in August he put pen to paper on a UFC contract. His most notable career win to date was a barnburner against Alexander Leaf in 2023 in a fight of the year. At 11-0 with a sublime highlight, the future looks bright for Riley and many speculated who he would face on his debut. After a successful four-year stint with Cage Warriors, a proven testing ground for European fighters, Riley looks ready for the world stage, fighting in front of packed arenas in the UK.
Tough Romanian Bogdan Grad hopes to steal Riley’s hype at UFC Qatar. Grad makes his third appearance in the UFC. Still in his debut year with the organization, Grad started well with a TKO victory in February in Riyadh, but tasted defeat in Baku with a decision loss to Muhammed Naimov in June. With an 80% finish rate from 15 wins, the Romanian is a threat in every department and could spoil the scuse party in Doha.
Shem Rock vs. Nurullo Aliev
Undefeated in four years, Shaqueme “Shem” Rock has plied his trade in the popular Czech promotion Oktagon. During his time at Oktagon Rock he had five fights with four wins and one draw, but he also had five canceled fights during this time. After finishing out his contract with Oktagon with a record of 12-1-1, there was only one spot left for Rock. A true finishing machine with 11 of his 12 wins via finish, nine submissions and two TKOs. The wrestling is exceptional and will be against his undefeated opponent.
Tajikistan’s Nurullo Aliev is 10-0 and has two UFC wins to his name. But to find a finish in the promotion, Aliev will be hoping to get his first finish against debutant Rock in Qatar. Unlike Shem Rock, Aliev appears to have no finishing potential with only two finishes in his 10 professional wins. The last time he was out, in January, he defeated Joe Solecki via decision after nearly two years out of action.
Do you think both scousers will get their arms raised at UFC Qatar?
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