Prediction: Youssef Zalal via Submission
Emmett’s been to the top and had his peak moment against Calvin Kattar, but that fight exposed how limited his style has become. He’s fallen into this trap of relying almost entirely on his power, but for good reason. His right hand is still a bomb and it can put anyone down,but the problem is he’s stopped using the rest of his skill set. He’s not mixing in the wrestling or layering his offense.
Zalal’s biggest weapon is his footwork and timing. From the very first exchanges, he’s bouncing in and out, constantly ready to either angle off, roll a counter, or shell up and stay safe. He doesn’t enter range naked—he’s always prepared defensively, which makes it tough for someone like Emmett who’s banking on guys staying in the pocket long enough to eat the power. Add in the fact that Zalal will be the bigger, longer fighter and knows how to use his size when the grappling exchanges happen, and you’ve got a kid who can neutralize Emmett’s one-note approach.
What makes Zalal even more dangerous here is that his motivation. He doesn’t want to get cut from the UFC again, and you can see that he’s tightened up his game because of it. He’s offensively skilled, defensively sound, and fights with a composure that’ll make Emmett’s “power or bust” style look outdated. Unless Emmett somehow reinvents himself mid-fight and starts using tools he hasn’t been relying on, he’s going to get outclassed.