LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — “The Moroccan Devil” keeps his receipts.
Youssef Zalal scored a massive win in his promotional return at UFC Vegas 89 last night (Sat., March 23, 2024), strangling Octagon veteran, Billy Quarantillo, in the second round to notch his first-ever UFC finish (watch highlights).
Unfortunately, Zalal was passed over for a “Performance of the Night” bonus when the dust finally settled inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Nevertheless, when Zalal was released from UFC after going 3-3-1 back in Aug. 2022, he had to return to the dreaded mixed martial arts (MMA) regional scene, where he absolutely thrived, going undefeated (3-0) with three finishes. The 27-year-old also participated in the “King of Sparta” tournament, competing in kickboxing, boxing and MMA bouts … all in one night.
By the time he got the call back to UFC, Zalal remembered the fickle MMA fans who wrote him off.
“This is a beautiful sport, but it’s a f—king horrible sport at the same time,” Zalal told the media after his UFC Vegas 89 victory. “Robert Whitaker just said that not too long ago in an interview. You know, and it’s like, when you win, you win. And everybody’s like, ‘Man, you’re the worst guy. I’ve never seen you. I can’t believe this. I can’t believe that.’
“Now everybody’s like, ‘Oh my god, I knew I believed in him,’” Zalal concluded. “Blah, blah, blah. To all of the haters: Go fuck yourself. I love you, but that’s that’s how I feel about it.”
It’s very well known that MMA fans can be overly toxic to fighters and will flip-flop if a fighter wins or loses, which is what Zalal is reflecting on.
But, if Zalal — who is now riding a four-fight win streak and once took Featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, to the scorecards back in 2020 — looked anything like he did last night moving forward, the 145-pound division has another problem on its hands.
For complete UFC Vegas 89 results, coverage and highlights, click HERE.
