Arman Tsarukyan staked his claim as the top lightweight contender in the UFC with a spectacular performance against Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar this past Saturday, and he wants his chance at Ilia Topuria and his world title. Will the performance, and timing, work out for Tsarukyan, or will he have to watch Paddy Pimblett fight for the gold?
On a special Thanksgiving week edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses where Tsarukyan goes from his big win, and how the lightweight division
may shake out heading into 2026. Additionally, topics may include who should be next for welterweight champ Islam Makhachev after Ian Machado Garry defeated Belal Muhammad to cap off moving month for the surging contenders, reports of Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes being the frontrunner to headline the UFC’s first big numbered event on Paramount, the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua press conference, and much more. Plus, what we’re thankful for in the world of MMA and combat sports.
Join MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long.
Watch the show live at Noon ET / 9 a.m. PT in the video above.
If you missed the show live, you can still watch above, or listen to the podcast version, which can be found below and on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your pods.












