Youssef Zalal sees parallels to Pikachu ahead of Kattar bout

LAS VEGAS – Youssef Zalal appreciates the place he’s at. Identical to many others, he’s baffled by what he’s been capable of accomplish up to now 12 months.

One 12 months in the past, Zalal (16-5-1 MMA, 6-3-1 UFC) wasn’t on the UFC roster. Saturday, he co-headlines UFC Struggle Night time 251 vs. perennial contender Calvin Kattar (23-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC).

“We must always write a ebook about that,” Zalal informed reporters together with MMA Junkie at a pre-fight information convention Wednesday. “That’s how loopy that is. To be sincere, it’s such a blessing in a grateful method that 11 months in the past, I used to be not even within the UFC. To be again and combating the No. 10 and to go on the market within the co-main occasion spot and to go on the market and actually present all that stuff, that’s why I say in all my speeches, ‘Hamdulillah.’ It’s a blessing that I can’t even inform you about it. I knew how good I’m, and I knew how good I’m able to and all that stuff, however clearly, all the things occurs for a motive. I’m blissful for the place my journey goes, and I can’t wait to see what comes forward.”

In a world the place trash discuss positive factors consideration and social media followers, Zalal took the alternative route as he spoke about Kattar. He heaped respect and reward onto Kattar, who has battled the likes of Max Holloway, Aljamain Sterling, Renato Moicano, and Zabit Magomedsharipov amongst others.

“I stated, ‘Say what?’ I used to be like, ‘What did you say?’” Zalal stated, of what his preliminary response was. “(My supervisor) stated, ‘Calvin Kattar.’ I stated, ‘Holy f*ck, I’ve to take a second.’ I used to be like, ‘Bro, are we speaking about the identical man I’ve been looking ahead to the final f*cking 4 years of my life.’ He stated, ‘Sure.’ I’m like, ‘F*ck yeah, I’ll take that.’ My internal little one misplaced it, bro, simply to combat a legend like that and go towards him. I’m making ready for one of the best Calvin Kattar to ever do. I’m excited, man. I’m excited.”

Regardless of solely having three fights since his UFC return, Zalal is a average, approaching heavy, favourite towards Kattar. So what’s the massive benefit? Zalal in contrast himself to a Pokemon to clarify.

“You get my little Pikachu ass in there, like just a little fast man,” Zalal stated. “I’m positively excited to see what he brings. I really feel like his again is towards the wall just a little bit. I’m simply grateful for the chance that he’s permitting to present a ranked man a possibility. I really feel like that is the harm enterprise. We’re on this enterprise to both win or lose. I really feel like I match up very well with him. I deliver a special I.Q. than most of those fighters. I actually do imagine that. I’m excited to indicate it on Saturday night time.”

“I’m just a little excessive vitality man and sh*t like that. I really feel like most of those fighters simply be on their own and sh*t. Bro, that is thrilling. That is what I selected to do in life. I’m making an attempt to vary my goddamn life. That is superior and I get to do it with my folks and I get to do it in entrance of the world? Hell yeah, man. Pikachu is simply excessive vitality and f*cking electrical energy just a little bit. I’ll deliver some electrical energy on this sport just a little bit.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Struggle Night time 251.