Youssef Zalal sees parallels to Pikachu ahead of Kattar bout

LAS VEGAS – Youssef Zalal appreciates where he’s at. Just like many others, he’s baffled by what he’s been able to accomplish in the past 12 months.

One year ago, Zalal (16-5-1 MMA, 6-3-1 UFC) wasn’t on the UFC roster. Saturday, he co-headlines UFC Fight Night 251 vs. perennial contender Calvin Kattar (23-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC).

“We should write a book about that,” Zalal told reporters including MMA Junkie at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “That’s how crazy this is. To be honest, it’s such a blessing in a grateful way that 11 months ago, I was not even in the UFC. To be back and fighting the No. 10 and to go out there in the co-main event spot and to go out there and really show all that stuff, that’s why I say in all my speeches, ‘Hamdulillah.’ It’s a blessing that I can’t even tell you about it. I knew how good I am, and I knew how good I’m capable of and all that stuff, but obviously, everything happens for a reason. I’m happy for where my journey is going, and I can’t wait to see what comes ahead.”

In a world where trash talk gains attention and social media followers, Zalal took the opposite route as he spoke about Kattar. He heaped respect and praise onto Kattar, who has battled the likes of Max Holloway, Aljamain Sterling, Renato Moicano, and Zabit Magomedsharipov among others.

“I said, ‘Say what?’ I was like, ‘What did you say?’” Zalal said, of what his initial reaction was. “(My manager) said, ‘Calvin Kattar.’ I said, ‘Holy f*ck, I have to take a moment.’ I was like, ‘Bro, are we talking about the same guy I’ve been watching for the last f*cking four years of my life.’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I’m like, ‘F*ck yeah, I’ll take that.’ My inner child lost it, bro, just to fight a legend like that and go against him. I’m preparing for the best Calvin Kattar to ever do. I’m excited, man. I’m excited.”

Despite only having three fights since his UFC return, Zalal is a moderate, approaching heavy, favorite against Kattar. So what’s the big advantage? Zalal compared himself to a Pokemon to explain.

“You get my little Pikachu ass in there, like a little quick guy,” Zalal said. “I’m definitely excited to see what he brings. I feel like his back is against the wall a little bit. I’m just grateful for the opportunity that he’s allowing to give a ranked guy an opportunity. I feel like this is the hurt business. We’re in this business to either win or lose. I feel like I match up really well with him. I bring a different I.Q. than most of these fighters. I really do believe that. I’m excited to show it on Saturday night.”

“I’m a little high energy guy and sh*t like that. I feel like most of these fighters just be all alone and sh*t. Bro, this is exciting. This is what I chose to do in life. I’m trying to change my goddamn life. This is awesome and I get to do it with my people and I get to do it in front of the world? Hell yeah, man. Pikachu is just high energy and f*cking electricity a little bit. I’ll bring some electricity in this game a little bit.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 251.