On February 15, 2025, Calvin Kattar will face Youssef Zalal at UFC Fight Night 251 held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This featherweight bout is significant as Kattar, ranked No. 10, looks to end his troubling three-fight losing streak against the rising Zalal, who is unranked but riding high on momentum.
Kattar, with a professional MMA record of 23 wins and 8 losses, has struggled since losing to Giga Chikadze by unanimous decision back in January 2022. Following this, Kattar faced Josh Emmett, where he lost by split decision, suffered another setback against Arnold Allen due to injury leading to TKO, and was dominated by Aljamain Sterling at UFC 300. This challenging period has cast doubt on Kattar's standing within the featherweight division.
Conversely, Zalal brings his own momentum, possessing a record of 16 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. After being released by the UFC following three straight losses and one draw from 2021 to 2022, he returned to the promotion with renewed vigor, winning three fights, all by finish, bouncing back from his previous setbacks. This Sunday’s fight could propel Zalal closer to entering the top 15 of the featherweight rankings.
Oddsmakers favor Zalal with moneyline odds placed at -500, favoring his recent performances. Kattar, viewed as the underdog, holds +400 odds. Some analysts believe this matchup could be particularly advantageous for Zalal, considering Kattar's challenges with grapplers. Zalal’s last three victories included finishes against Billy Quarantillo, Jarno Errens, and Jack Shore, marking him as a formidable contender.
Both fighters have distinct fighting styles, which will undoubtedly play significant roles. Kattar, primarily known for his boxing game, has shown difficulties with high-volume strikers and grapplers, as seen against Aljamain Sterling, who successfully executed 13 takedown attempts against him. On the flip side, Zalal’s grappling prowess has improved substantially since his first run with the UFC. His fast pace and improved ground game could create significant challenges for Kattar.
Youssef Zalal, known as 'The Moroccan Devil', also provided insight leading up to the fight. "I feel like a lot of people are not giving him [Kattar] the credit. You gotta see who he went with. That's Aljamain Sterling," Zalal remarked, acknowledging the formidable opponents Kattar has faced. His confidence is palpable, as he threatens, "I will finish Calvin Kattar," setting the stakes high for the upcoming match.
Despite the odds and current trajectories, Kattar remains dangerous due to his knockout power, showcasing 11 KO victories across his career. The question arises: can Kattar's experience against elite competition aid him against Zalal’s agility and submission skills?
The fighters' statistics are quite telling. Kattar, aged 36, stands tall at 5'11” with a reach of 72 inches, reflecting seasoned experience. At 28, Zalal is slightly shorter at 5'10” and shares the same reach. This battle of experience versus youth adds another dimension of intrigue to fight night.
Analysts believe Kattar is remarkably difficult to finish but may find himself at the mercy of Zalal's tactics. The latter is expected to utilize his superior movement and grappling to control the pace early on. Despite Kattar's struggles, he is known for his persistence and relentless forward pressure; he could leverage this to keep it competitive.
Both fighters have much at stake, with Kattar aiming to remain relevant and avoid falling down the rankings, and Zalal eager to prove he belongs among the elite. Every moment counts, and as the octagon doors close behind them, it’s anybody’s game.
Expect the action to start heating up as they step inside the cage, with both warriors aiming for not just victory but to showcase their skills and potential for the future.
The fight promises to be thrilling and could potentially pivot the career trajectories of both fighters—either solidifying Kattar's standing as he fights to regain form or propelling Zalal toward the upper echelons of the featherweight division.
Catch all the action live on ESPN+ as the event promises to electrify the audience and keep fans on the edge of their seats.