Youssef Zalal’s journey in the UFC took a pivotal turn when he faced Ilia Topuria in October 2020, a bout that was anything but predictable. Initially, Zalal was set to clash with Seung-Woo Choi; however, with just ten days to go, Choi’s withdrawal introduced Topuria—a fighter whom Zalal knew remarkably little about, apart from his striking 100% finish rate. This lack of insight set the stage for an escalating encounter in the octagon, where Zalal had to confront more than just a skilled grappler; he had to face an unanticipated storm of talent.
Going into the fight, Zalal could not foresee how adept Topuria was on the ground. As the match unfolded, Topuria unleashed a barrage of grappling techniques, transitioning seamlessly between submission attempts. Despite the onslaught, Zalal’s resilience shone through. He managed to evade numerous submission attempts, an indication of his toughness and heart in the face of adversity. While he rallied impressively in the third round, it became evident that the second round had set a daunting precedent. Zalal later reflected, “I won the third round, but the second round… I wish I would have went a little bit more.” This highlights the duality of combat sports—the thrill of resilience against the backdrop of missed opportunities.
Topuria emerged victorious, but the encounter proved to be a significant turning point for both fighters. For Zalal, it was a precursor to a difficult period. While Topuria went on to dominate the division, knocking out high-caliber fighters like Josh Emmett, Zalal found himself on a sinking ship, grappling with a three-fight losing streak followed by a draw that led to his exit from the UFC. The contrast between their trajectories paints a somber picture of competitive sport, showcasing how finely balanced success and failure can be.
Despite the rough patch, Zalal continued to support Topuria, especially during the latter’s title defenses. The dawn of Topuria’s reign culminated in a shocking knockout of Max Holloway, reverberating throughout the MMA community. Zalal’s response was heartfelt: “You knock out Max Holloway… that sh*t broke my heart.” This reveals not only Zalal’s personal stakes but also the bond between fighters who have shared the cage, elevating respect in combat sports to unprecedented heights.
Refusing to be overshadowed by his struggles, Zalal made a triumphant return to the UFC roster. With three consecutive submission victories under his belt and two Performance of the Night bonuses, the fighter demonstrated a renewed commitment to excellence. The revival of his career culminated in an exciting match against Calvin Kattar at UFC Fight Night 251—a testament to his enduring spirit and relentless work ethic.
Youssef Zalal exemplifies the resilience that defines true martial artists. His journey is a compelling narrative of trials, tribulations, and triumph, highlighting that the road to success is often winding and fraught with challenges.