Former GLORY middleweight kickboxing champion Yousri Belgaroui was in search of his second win under the UFC banner on Saturday, facing Mansur Abdul-Malik at UFC Seattle.
The main card bout found Abdul-Malik undefeated as a pro with three wins and a draw inside the octagon since joining the UFC in 2024 off a victory on Dana White’s Contender Series.
To start the opening five minutes, Belgaroui maintained distance and was able to utilize his 6’6 frame with kicks from the outside. Abdul-Malik seemed hesitant to blitz inside the range of Belgaroui and ate multiple damaging leg kicks for it. Switching stances to southpaw, Abdul-Malik narrowly blocked a head kick as he was largely picked apart in round one.
In the second, Belgaroui landed another calf kick as Abdul-Malik got to the clinch and attempted a body lock takedown. Belgaroui showed impressive takedown defense staying on his feet and circling back to the outside. Abdul-Malik was able to finally land takedown midway through the round moving to back control. Belgaroui was able to get back to his feet, landing a clean knee up the middle. Putting on a technical striking clinic, Belgaroui had Abdul-Malik badly hurt with twenty seconds left. Landing a big left hook at the bell, the fight was in question of being stopped by Abdul-Malik survived.
After facing adversity again in the opening moments of the third round, Abdul-Malik was able to secure a takedown near the four minute mark in the round. Belgaroui returned to his feet, landing a big straight right hand. Showing immense toughness, Abdul-Malik ate a final big knee in the clinch sent him face first into the canvas.
Belgaroui has made it two knockout wins in a row over top flight talent in this middleweight division. With victories over former LFA champion Azamat Bekov and now formerly undefeated prospect Abdul-Malik, it is hard not to be impressed by the potential of the striking sensation Yousri Belgaroui.
Official Result: Yousri Belgaroui def. Mansur Abdul-Malik by TKO, Round 3, 3:39
