Welsh talent Jack Shore faced off with the “Moroccan Devil” Youssef Zalal as part of the UFC Edmonton preliminary card on Saturday.
Shore, a former Cage Warriors bantamweight champ, was 1-1 since his return to 145lbs. As for Zalal, he’d won his first two fights back in the UFC, having returned earlier this year for a second stint with the promotion. Wins over Billy Quarantillo and Jarno Errens followed.
The fight got off to a hot start with Zalal showing off his kickboxing a Jack looking aggressive and sharp. Shore managed to wrestle Zalal to the ground and landed a cheeky knee fully utilizing the new ruleset. Zalal moved back up and forced his opponent back into the cage but was not able to find the takedown. Once back to space Zalal thru a long, delayed knee up the middle that narrowly missed and ripped to the body. Youseff landed a takedown attempt of his own and with the fight on the ground Zalal threated a guillotine before transitioning to the back. It seemed like there wasn’t enough time left. But by the end of the round, Youssef was squeezing the choke that looked surprisingly close to being in.
The second round began with Youssef landing at will. Punches from all different angles. Jack looked uncomfortable and changed his level looking to close the distance a bit. Zalal thrust a knee up the middle that connected flush with Shore’s chin. Jack crumpled back to the canvas. Zalal leaped on the head and arm triangle, seizing the moment. Seconds later, Shore, cringing from the pressure of the choke, was frantically tapping on the back of Zalal.
“Holy smokes!” Zalal exclaimed in his post-fight interview as he watched the knee connect on the big screen. Youssef admired his handy and was extremely ecstatic. Zalal reflexted about how his second stint in the UFC has been amazing and how seeing one if his previous opponents do well (UFC Featherweight Champion, Illia Topuria) has given him confidence as reentered the UFC.
Official Result: Youssef Zalal def. Jack Shore by submission (arm triangle), 0:59, Round 2
