Youssef Zalal’s UFC journey underscores his resilience and determination, traits that are sometimes underestimated in mixed martial arts. Despite setbacks, Zalal navigated his way back into the UFC, marking a victorious comeback.
Following his departure from the promotion in 2022, Zalal (14-5-1 MMA, 4-3-1 UFC) stepped back into the octagon last Saturday at UFC on ESPN 53 held at the UFC Apex. Riding high on a three-fight winning streak outside the UFC, Zalal delivered a stellar performance against Billy Quarantillo, ultimately submitting him in the second round of their featherweight bout.
For Zalal, this victory held immense significance, solidifying his belief in his capability to thrive in one of MMA’s premier organizations.
“I feel like this is just to prove to myself that I am one of the best in the world,” Zalal expressed during the UFC on ESPN 53 post-fight press conference. “This is an experience I get to tell people about. ‘Man, everybody doubted you. You will never make it again,’ and then to come back and finish a guy that’s never been finished by submission. It feels really good.”
Zalal’s initial UFC stint began in 2020 with an impressive 3-0 start. However, he encountered a rough patch, suffering three consecutive losses followed by a draw. This string of four winless bouts within a span of just 10 months led to his exit from the UFC.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Zalal acknowledges the need for a strategic approach to his career moving forward.
“Last time I was in the UFC, I fought five times in one year, so I’m going to slow my ass down a little bit and really take my time with it,” Zalal remarked. “I’m going to talk to my management and see what I need to do, but I just made the No. 19 look easy, and he had just fought the No. 14, so I don’t know if (Edson) Barboza is still 14. So whoever they give me, I really don’t care. I know I’ve got a great management team, and they’re going to upscale my career.”
Zalal’s journey serves as a reminder that setbacks can be overcome with perseverance and strategic planning, and his determination to excel in the UFC is unwavering.
