News Youssef Zalal vs Calvin Qatar, February 15th (Source: Rampage's podcast)

[Koala]

Youssef Zalal is 28 yo, from Morocco, trains at Factory X in Denver
He is 16-5-1, 6-3-1 in the UFC, 3-fight winning streak in the UFC, 6-fight winning streak with the other promotions
Main wins are against Jack Shore, Quarantillo, and Jarno Errens. He lost to Topuria, Woodson, Chepe Mariscal

Calvin Qatar is 36 yo, from Boston, trains at New England Cartel and Tristar
He is 23-8, 7-6 in the UFC, 1-4 in the last four, 0-3 in the last three. He is ranked at #10
Main wins are against Lamas, Burgos, Stephens, Ige, Chikadze. Main losses are to Holloway, Sterling, Magomedsharipov

 

[Portland8242]

I think this Calvin Qatar should try get a fight with Calvin Kattar, would be an absolute banger

 

[svmr_db]

Surprised they aren't putting Calvin Qatar on one of those big Middle Eastern cards.

 

[svmr_db]

"I retired that bum"

- Youssef Zalal on former opponent Jack Shore

 

[RockyLockridge]

Current Zalal should destroy current Katter

I like this Zalal fellow right now, Offering a much needed shake up for FW top 15. Glad to see Doo hoo choi back to winning at FW aswell

 

[SalvadorAllende]

I think this Calvin Qatar should try get a fight with Calvin Kattar, would be an absolute banger

Or against Calvin Dubai.. why not?

 

[SalvadorAllende]

"I retired that bum"

- Youssef Zalal on former opponent Jack Shore

Did he really said that?

 

[svmr_db]

Did he really said that?

Nah he should've though

 

[Gabe]

I’ll go with Zalal, he’s definitely one of the unranked fighters that I can see being a breakout star in 2025.

 

[fortheo]

I don't think calvin is the same since his knee surgery. Zalal has the youth and speed advantage, too. Sucks to say since I'm a big fan of calvin, but he might be done. That said, I also feared the same about his teammate Rob font, but then every time they put him in the gatekeeper role, he wins. It might be the same with Calvin. I won't be that surprised if Calvin can keep the pressure on, stuff most the takedowns, and do enough work with his hands to get the win. He's still a pretty decent step up in competition for Zalal.

 

[Rorschachxx]

Should've been Calvin Kuwait imo but this is a good fight nonetheless.

 

[BluntForceTrama]

I think this Calvin Qatar should try get a fight with Calvin Kattar, would be an absolute banger

 

[BluntForceTrama]

 

[Thesnake101]

I don't think calvin is the same since his knee surgery. Zalal has the youth and speed advantage, too. Sucks to say since I'm a big fan of calvin, but he might be done. That said, I also feared the same about his teammate Rob font, but then every time they put him in the gatekeeper role, he wins. It might be the same with Calvin. I won't be that surprised if Calvin can keep the pressure on, stuff most the takedowns, and do enough work with his hands to get the win. He's still a pretty decent step up in competition for Zalal.

I think Youssef's kicks, particularly the ones to the leg, will give Calvin a lot of issues standing due to the difference in speed, and maybe even power given how Zalal has looked. He's been scoring subs recently, but I get the feeling that striking is still his bread and butter given that that's his base.

 

[fortheo]

I think Youssef's kicks, particularly the ones to the leg, will give Calvin a lot of issues standing due to the difference in speed, and maybe even power given how Zalal has looked. He's been scoring subs recently, but I get the feeling that striking is still his bread and butter given that that's his base.

Calvin's done pretty well dealing with leg kicks since moicano gave him a lesson, but the speed of zalal will be a problem everywhere, especially the speed of his level changes lately. I think on the feet, calvin's pressure might get to zalal and crowd the kicks. We'll see though. It's hard to have confidence in Kattar these days. Zalal is the safer pick, but if Kattar's a big dog....might be a bet worth taking.

 

[Soggust]

LFG Calvin Qatar!!!

Hometown Bahstan?

 

[Jinx_AA]

Calvin Kattar needs a big step down and easier fight to possibly rebound

I think he loses here again - and not sure he would deserve another fight if he loses another here in a row

Zalal is a contender and should fight another contender

Kattar is an old fan favorite and should fight another old fan favorite in an irrelevant fight for the division

 

[The_Renaissance]

Good fight. Kattar is a decent counter wrestler don't see Zalal taking him down at will. Kattar takes it.

 

[Shadey1]

I can see Zalal taking this maybe by submission