Discussing a Potential Rematch with Ilia Topuria

In a recent episode of the JAXXON PODCAST, posted on April 3, 2025, UFC fighter Youssef Zalal sat down to discuss his career, including his thoughts on a potential rematch with Ilia Topuria. Zalal faced Topuria in October 2020 during Topuria's UFC debut, a fight that Zalal took on short notice after his original opponent withdrew. Despite a competitive bout, Zalal lost by unanimous decision, an experience that he reflects on as a pivotal moment in his career. During the podcast, around the 5:30 mark, Zalal expressed admiration for Topuria's growth, acknowledging the fighter's current status as a top contender in the featherweight division. He indicated a strong interest in a rematch, believing that both fighters have evolved significantly since their first encounter.

Becoming an Exciting Finisher in the Cage

Zalal also delved into what it takes to be an exciting finisher in the UFC cage, a topic that emerged around the 12:15 timestamp. He emphasized the importance of versatility, explaining that fighters must adapt to their opponents' styles while maintaining an aggressive approach to secure finishes. Zalal highlighted his own journey, noting that after facing setbacks, including the loss to Topuria, he focused on sharpening his striking and grappling skills to create more opportunities for decisive victories. He stressed that being an exciting fighter isn't just about knockouts or submissions but also about engaging the audience with relentless pressure and unpredictable techniques.

Mental Growth and Learning from Losses

At approximately the 20:40 mark, the conversation shifted to Zalal's mental growth following his early UFC fights. He candidly discussed how the defeat to Topuria forced him to reassess his preparation and mindset. Zalal admitted that taking the fight on short notice was a challenge, but it taught him valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability. He believes these lessons have made him a more complete fighter, ready to face top-tier opponents again. His determination to climb back up the ranks and potentially face Topuria once more was evident throughout this segment of the podcast.

Inspiration from Topuria's Career Path

Towards the latter part of the discussion, around the 30:10 point, Zalal shared how Topuria's success has been a source of inspiration. He praised Topuria for achieving milestones in the sport with precision and dedication, viewing it as a benchmark for his own aspirations. Zalal's respect for his former opponent was clear, yet it underscored his competitive drive to test himself against the best in the division. This segment of the podcast provided insight into Zalal's mindset as he continues to build momentum in his UFC career.