At UFC Vegas 102, Youssef Zalal secured the biggest win of his career by defeating Calvin Kattar via unanimous decision (29-28). The bout mirrored the main event’s dynamic, with a ranked veteran on a losing skid facing a surging contender. Zalal controlled the first two rounds with movement, volume striking, and well-timed takedown attempts that disrupted Kattar’s rhythm. However, he coasted in round three, allowing Kattar a window to push forward, though he never found a finishing opportunity. While Zalal’s win will earn him a ranking, it wasn’t the statement performance the UFC may have hoped for. He called out Brian Ortega, but with Ortega eyeing lightweight, it remains uncertain if that fight materializes. Meanwhile, Kattar’s decline is becoming evident. After injuries and tough losses, this was the first fight where he had no excuses—he simply looked like a man past his prime. On a four-bout losing streak, Kattar’s future in the UFC is uncertain, as he now struggles to deliver the action-packed performances that once made him a fan favorite.
Youssef Zalal raised serious allegations against his opponent Calvin Kattar, suggesting illegal substances were used during their featherweight bout.
Zalal, who secured a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the contest 29-28, shared his concerns during the presser interaction.
“I swear to God, he was the most slipperiest guy I’ve ever seen in my life,” Zalal stated. “I shit you not, I felt like there’s Vaseline all over his legs.”
The Moroccan, who maintained a successful game plan of movement and striking throughout the match, emphasized that the unusual slickness was beyond normal perspiration. “A hundred percent. Nobody slides like that that quick,” he added.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Zalal compared this encounter to his previous matches: “I fought a lot of good guys, Jack Shore and all those guys, and I felt when you’re dry and all that stuff, there’s no way.”
Despite these serious allegations, Zalal remained focused on his career trajectory. “It is what it is. You can cheat the sport, you can do whatever you want, and the end of the day is, I’m doing me, and that’s what’s going to get me to the top,” he concluded.
The victory marks Zalal’s fourth consecutive win and potentially his entry into the UFC rankings, while Kattar faces his fourth straight loss. As of this report, Kattar and his team have not responded to these allegations.
The UFC has strict protocols regarding the use of substances during matches, and any confirmed violations could result in serious consequences. The organization has not yet issued an official statement regarding these claims.
