Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal squared off in a Featherweight contest earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 15, 2025) at UFC Vegas 102 inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a strong showing, Zalal picked up the decision victory.
Zalal found his range quickly, establishing the jab and using it to land low kicks. “The Moroccan Devil” danced along the outside and flicked his strikes, denying Kattar the pocket. Kattar tried to press and work his own jab, but he struggled to score any kind of contact. By the end of the round, Kattar was starting to get a little closer on his punches. Still, it was still a clear Zalal round, as the younger man really won the distance battle and scored without getting hit in return.
Zalal tested the wrestling early in round two, but otherwise, he kept with his rangy outside striking approach. His lateral movement and direction changes were really effective in keeping Kattar guessing. From both stances, Zalal’s jab was punishing. After a couple more failed takedowns, Zalal feinted a takedown and landed a clubbing hook. Kattar, meanwhile, really could not land with any consistency or significance — all of his strikes were coming up short. After 10 minutes, Kattar had only landed a handful of solid jabs and one glancing right hand.
The Boston boxer badly needed a finish with five minutes remaining.
Kattar and his corner were well-aware of the scorecards heading into the third, and he upped the pressure appropriately. Kattar started throwing longer combinations and consequently was able to get a bit closer. Still, the Zalal jab kept popping when he did plant his feet. About midway through the round, Kattar managed to score with a right elbow, his best land of the fight. Zalal kept his feet moving, but the Kattar swings were inching close. Another right hand scored with a minute remaining. Zalal’s foot and head movement kept him fairly safe, but the final round belonged to Kattar.
It wasn’t enough.
All three judges sided with Zalal on the strength of the first 10 minutes. The Kattar rally in round three takes a bit of shine off his victory, but his incredible sharpness and control in the first two rounds should still be remembered. He made a dangerous striker hit air for quite a while, deservedly earning him the best win of his career.
Zalal will be a ranked fighter early next week. Who should he face next?
Result: Zalal defeats Kattar via unanimous decision
For complete UFC Vegas 102 results and play-by-play, click here.