Youssef Zalal explains why he apologized for past performance during post-fight interview at UFC 320

The mixed martial arts world often witnesses fighters using their post-bout microphone time for triumphant callouts, expressions of gratitude, or detailed explanations of injuries sustained. However, following his swift and decisive win against veteran featherweight Josh Emmett in October at UFC 320, Youssef Zalal opted for a remarkably different approach. Instead of immediate celebration or a challenge to a higher-ranked opponent, Zalal took the opportunity to address UFC CEO Dana White and the matchmakers cageside, issuing a heartfelt apology for what he perceived as a subpar showing in a previous contest.

Zalal’s impressive armbar submission of Emmett, achieved in less than two minutes of the first round, marked a significant statement in the featherweight division. Emmett, a seasoned competitor and former interim title challenger, ranked #6 at the time, represented a substantial step up in competition for Zalal. The rapid nature of the finish underscored Zalal’s evolving prowess and solidified his position as a legitimate threat within the top ranks. Yet, the memory of an earlier fight lingered, prompting Zalal’s unusual post-fight declaration.

The performance Zalal felt compelled to apologize for was his unanimous decision victory over Calvin Kattar in February. Kattar, a formidable and highly respected veteran of the featherweight division, was ranked #5 at the time of their encounter. While Zalal secured the win on all three judges’ scorecards, improving his professional record, the fight was widely characterized as uninspiring by both fans and critics. Zalal himself acknowledged that it "definitely wasn’t his most impressive showing," admitting he "faded late in the fight" and "didn’t make a great impression for somebody trying to get bigger and bigger opportunities in the UFC." The win, though technically flawless on paper, lacked the decisive flair expected of a rising contender seeking to climb the divisional ladder.

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Zalal elaborated on his decision, revealing the internal conflict and external pressures that informed his apology. "I’m still learning," Zalal stated, reflecting on his journey in a sport that demands constant adaptation. "I’m still learning in this sport. In a way, I’m young but in a way I’m very vet in this game." He acknowledged that many, including those close to him, advised against the apology. "You’re like the 20th person [to say] ‘You don’t need to do that,’ Youssef," he recounted, underscoring the unconventional nature of his action.

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Zalal attributed the dip in performance against Kattar to a confluence of factors, primarily the immense pressure associated with fighting a top-tier opponent in a major arena. "That was kind of the thing. You can’t make everybody happy and stuff like that. It was just a moment for me, it was the biggest fight of my life, it was the biggest arena I’d ever been in. I think the most crowd I’ve ever been in." The psychological weight of the moment, coupled with the magnitude of the opponent, evidently impacted his execution, particularly in the later rounds.

A critical aspect of Zalal’s explanation was his steadfast refusal to lean on common excuses for lackluster performances. Unlike many fighters who might cite injuries, difficult weight cuts, or personal issues, Zalal opted for complete transparency regarding his mental and physical state during the Kattar bout. He didn’t want to deflect accountability for a less-than-stellar third round. "I have no problem going out there and saying it," Zalal asserted. "Because why not? Why do I need to hide anything? There’s nothing to hide."

He pinpointed the exact moment where the pressure became overwhelming: "The third round, just everything hit me. The nerves, the top 10, oh my god this is a big moment, this and that. Use the experience during fight camp, you start feeling the pressure and all that." This raw honesty resonated, painting a picture of a fighter grappling with the psychological demands of elite competition. Rather than viewing the experience as a failure, Zalal reframed it as a crucial developmental step. "I learned so much from that. That’s not me in the third round. I took that Kattar fight and took it from that experience and go from there. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me and I’m glad that it happened on a win. That’s the most important thing. Again, same with this, I’m happy it’s happening with a win, not on a loss." Even his team, initially surprised, eventually rallied around his newfound resolve. His coach, David Onama, playfully remarked, "where are the boos at now?" to which Zalal replied, "It’s OK! I don’t need to get riled up! It’s all good. It is what it is. It’s a learning experience."

The quick, decisive victory over Emmett at UFC 320, coupled with his candid post-fight reflections, has undoubtedly strengthened Zalal’s standing in the UFC featherweight division. His current professional record stands at 14-5-1, and this latest triumph firmly cemented his place within the top 10 rankings. Prior to the Kattar fight, Zalal had been on a path of rebuilding, navigating a draw and a loss before finding his rhythm again. The win against Kattar, despite its perceived flaws, put him back on a winning track, and the dominant performance against Emmett propelled him into genuine contention.

With the Kattar performance now squarely behind him and a fresh, emphatic win under his belt, Zalal wasted no time in setting his sights on future challenges. During his post-fight interview, he issued a direct callout for a matchup against Lerone Murphy. Murphy, an undefeated featherweight contender with a professional record of 14-0-1, was ranked #8 at the time of Zalal’s callout. He is known for his well-rounded skill set and impressive winning streak within the UFC.

Zalal’s choice of Murphy as his next desired opponent is particularly interesting given the ongoing speculation surrounding the featherweight title picture. Rumors have consistently linked Murphy to a potential title shot against the reigning champion, Alexander Volkanovski, a dominant force in the division. Volkanovski, a long-reigning champion known for his technical prowess and high fight IQ, recently hinted at a return to action with a social media post stating, "see you in December." This fueled the narrative that Murphy, fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Edson Barboza in May 2024 (a fight Zalal notably, and perhaps mistakenly, referred to as Murphy’s "best performance of his lifetime [against Aaron Pico]" in his quote, possibly misremembering the opponent or fight), could be next in line.

However, Zalal pointed out an apparent discrepancy in the champion’s public statements. "Lerone fought, had the best performance of his lifetime [against Aaron Pico] and Volk posted ‘see you in December,’ they’ve got a fight, awesome," Zalal recounted. "Then Diego [Lopes] goes in and beats Jean Silva, which is a big win. That changes everything. Then I saw an interview with [Volkanovski] in Perth saying ‘well, I don’t have an actual opponent yet.’ How is this not a done deal yet?" This ambiguity in Volkanovski’s status created an opening for Zalal.

While Zalal remains open to facing any higher-ranked opponent, his specific callout for Murphy highlights a strategic understanding of the fluid nature of UFC matchmaking. He recognizes that until an official announcement is made, Murphy’s title shot is not guaranteed. "I was like hey, I know Lerone is ready to fight, I’m ready to fight. We could fight in December if he doesn’t get a title shot. If he does, that’s a different story but if he doesn’t, I’d love to get that fight." This tactical approach positions Zalal for a significant co-main event or main card slot against a highly-regarded, undefeated fighter, regardless of the championship outcome.

The featherweight division remains one of the most competitive in the UFC, with a deep roster of talent including rising stars like Diego Lopes, who recently secured a major win over Jean Silva, further complicating the title picture. Zalal’s journey, marked by self-reflection and a relentless drive for improvement, now sees him firmly entrenched among the division’s elite. His willingness to publicly address his imperfections, coupled with his decisive performance at UFC 320, sets the stage for a compelling next chapter in his promising career. He stands ready for his next assignment, whether it’s against Lerone Murphy or another top contender, intent on proving that his growth extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing a profound understanding of the mental game required at the highest level of mixed martial arts.