The loss will likely see Hooker drop further down the UFC's lightweight rankings.
Lawrence Lui became the first Kiwi to sign with the UFC's men's bantamweight division.
Tau had to weigh in twice after an unusual reading, but missed the flyweight limit.
'My name was offered around to a few people ... a couple said no,' the middleweight said.
Sports Panel with Chris Reive and Alex Powell on Ryan Bridge TodayVideo / Ryan Bridge Today
'It checks a lot of boxes for me personally, you know? I’m now the UFC’s Grinch.'
'I’m planning on going out there and I reckon I can make this one look easy.'
The event will feature a host of New Zealand-trained talent and the Road To UFC finals.
Dominic Reed twice fought teammate Nikora Lee-Kingi in King in the Ring finals.
With the opportunity to step into a title shot, the Kiwi fighter was stopped at the door.
Hooker and Tsarukyan both enter UFC Qatar on winning streaks that go back to late 2022.
Dana White says the winner will earn the next UFC lightweight title shot.
Dan Hooker’s backyard fight series has drawn criticism over safety risks.
Titus Proctor will step into Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on October 24.
'Time to enjoy the other fruits of life for now and enjoy watching my kids grow.'
The ban comes as the former two-weight champion had three 'whereabouts failures' for tests
'If I have to, I'll take out the winner of Khalil and Jiri just to prove a point.'
Dana White confirmed the Kiwi star will be in a main event spot for his comeback bout.
After a knockout win in Perth on Sunday, Carlos Ulberg was straight back to business.
With a jab and two heavy right hands, Carlos Ulberg put himself in UFC title contention.
The Matamata fighter will be the first Kiwi woman to compete in the UFC octagon.
UFC light heavyweight Carlos Ulberg will meet Dominick Reyes in the main event at UFC Perth.
Should the Kiwi win in his first UFC main event this weekend, a title shot is likely next.
Navajo Stirling will face his toughest test yet inside the UFC octagon in Perth.
UFC light heavyweight Navajo Stirling will take on Brazilian Rodolfo Bellato in Perth this weekend. Video / Annaleise Shortland
Rowston will make his UFC debut in Perth this weekend after earning a contract in August.
Lolo Heimuli speaks on Herald NOW about his combat sports legacy, and new documentary.Video / NZ Herald
A bid to improve his life and test himself has led Brando Peričić to the top level of MMA.
'I want to learn it all and be one of the best fighters.'
