Youssef Zalal turned in another memorable submission finish to build on his second UFC stint earlier tonight (Sat., Aug. 10, 2024) at UFC Vegas 95 live on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when “The Moroccan Devil” stopped Jarno Errens with a first-round rear-naked choke.
Zalal came into this fight a heavy betting favorite and for good reason. He looked great in his return to the Octagon last time out against the ultra-durable Billy Quarantillo and had finished his last four fights overall coming into this weekend. It was Zalal’s fight to lose as something wild would have to land for Errens.
Unfortunately, an early exchange resulted in an eye poke at the expense of Zalal, but the featherweight up-and-comer shook it off to secure a dominant takedown. Errens was eventually able to get back to his feet, but during the scramble Zalal quickly jumped on his back and sunk in the choke. Errens didn’t stand a chance.
Check out the final moments above.
Zalal, 27, went 3-3-1 in his first run in the UFC’s 145-pound division and even went three rounds with current UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria back in 2020. “The Moroccan Devil” made some questionable decisions during three-straight losses that resulted in his UFC departure in 2021, but he looks to be back to his finishing ways and could make a push towards the top 15 this time around.
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