Yousri makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In October, Yousri Belgaroui impressed in his octagon debut and was even better in his second appearance. At UFC Seattle , an event held this Saturday (28), Alex Poatan 's training partner ignored the hype of the promising Mansur Abdul-Malik . A striking specialist, the 1,96m giant punished Sean Strickland 's friend and knocked him out in the third round, ending his undefeated streak.
With this important victory, Belgaroui moved closer to breaking into the top 15 of the highly competitive middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). The Dutchman now has a record of ten wins, eight by knockout, and three losses. On the other hand, the 28-year-old American suffered his first MMA defeat in a traumatic way and missed a good opportunity to become one of the division's elite.
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Giant massacred
In the first round, Malik struggled in the striking exchanges against the giant Yousri. A striking specialist, Yousri landed low kicks that bothered Malik. In the final stretch, Malik attempted a takedown, but Yousri defended. Confident, Yousri continued to deliver low kicks to Malik. When he went on the attack, preparing a punch, Malik received a straight right and almost fell.
In the second round, the athletes didn't slow down. Malik clung to Yousri and lifted him, but couldn't secure a takedown. Standing, Malik continued advancing, relying on straight punches and overhands. In turn, Yousri also showed his striking skills. In a do-or-die effort, Malik managed to take Yousri down and get his back, but lost the position. Much larger, Yousri landed knees and punches on Malik in the clinch, which bothered him.
Increasingly confident, Yousri launched a blitz on Malik, stunning him with knees, crosses, and straight punches. In the end, Yousri scored a knockdown with a cross, which was saved by the bell. In the third and final round, Yousri threw kicks and punches. Malik attempted a takedown, but failed to bring Yousri down.
Exhausted, Malik became easy prey for Yousri, receiving punches and kicks. Desperate, Malik managed a takedown, but couldn't control Yousri on the ground. Standing, Yousri delivered a spectacular and brutal knee strike that stunned Malik. Dominant, Yousri punished Malik with a punch to the midsection, kicks, and finished the job by landing a knee to his rival's face.
UFC Seattle Results
MAIN CARD
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Joe Pyfer defeated Israel Adesanya by technical knockout (punches) at 4:18 of round 2.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alexa Grasso defeated Maycee Barber by knockout (punch) at 2:42 of round 1.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Michael Chiesa defeated Niko Price by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:03 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lerryan Douglas defeated Julian Erosa by knockout (punches) at 3:33 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Yousri Belgaroui defeated Mansur Abdul-Malik by technical knockout (punches and knee strike) at 1:21 of round 3.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Terrance McKinney defeated Kyle Nelson by technical knockout (high kick and punches) at 0:24 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Tofiq Musayev defeated Ignacio Bahamondes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Lance Gibson Jr. defeated Chase Hooper by technical knockout (punches and kicks) at 2:04 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Fortuna Tyrrell defeated Marcin Tybura by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Casey O'Neill defeated Gabriella Fernandes by knockout (punches) at 3:11 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Navajo Stirling defeated Bruno Lopes by technical knockout (punches) at 4:05 of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ricky Simon and Adrian Yanez finished in a majority draw by the judges (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Alexia Thainara defeated Bruna Brasil by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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