Youssef Zalal not overlooking skidding Calvin Kattar

Youssef Zalal has been spectacular in his second UFC stint, and now he’s looking to level things up further in the biggest fight of his career.

After putting together a 2024 campaign that included three submission wins against Billy Quarantillo, Jarno Errens and Jack Shore, the surging Zalal now draws longtime contender Calvin Kattar at UFC Fight Night 251, which takes place Feb. 15 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (ESPN+).

It’s a compelling crossroads matchup, because while Zalal (16-5-1 MMA, 6-3-1 UFC) is riding high with tons of momentum, the same can’t be said for Kattar (23-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC), who has dropped his past three fights and hasn’t won since January 2022.

“He’s fighting for his position, and that’s a scary fighter to fight,” Zalal told MMA Junkie Radio. “Obviously everyone knows who Calvin Kattar is. He’s been in the game for so long and been through so many crazy fights, so I’m definitely preparing for the best Calvin I can ever prepare for it. He’s going to be a very dangerous Calvin, and I’m excited for that puzzle.”

At 36 and with some significant injuries in recent years, the questions about Kattar’s current situation are fair. The defeats during his losing skid are only to elite names in Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen and Josh Emmett, though, and Zalal hasn’t proven himself to be on that level yet.

Zalal, 28, sees this as his opportunity to make a statement in the featherweight division, and he said he’s not going to make the mistake of thinking Kattar is a diminished version of his prime self.

“I’m not underestimating Calvin,” Zalal said. “I don’t care if he’s on a five (fight) losing streak or a three losing streak, I’m preparing for the best Calvin. I’m preparing to show people how good I am, and how good my boxing is and how good my striking is.”