Youssef Zalal wants to give Kevin Vallejos 'a reality check'

Youssef Zalal has called out Kevin Vallejos following the featherweight prospect's recent comments about him, vowing to deliver "a reality check" should they meet inside the Octagon.

Zalal (18-6) returned to the UFC in 2024 after an earlier stint ended in 2022 with four consecutive losses. His comeback has been impressive: five straight victories with four finishes on the regional circuit preceded a second UFC run that saw him compile five consecutive wins, four by stoppage. That streak ended in April with a lopsided decision loss to Aljamain Sterling.

Vallejos (18-1) has emerged as an undefeated force in the UFC, winning four straight bouts with three finishes. The Argentine's only professional loss came via hard-fought decision against Jean Silva at Dana White's Contender Series in 2023. Following Zalal's recent loss, Vallejos expressed his preference to face Sterling next, suggesting that Sterling doesn't "run" like Zalal does—a comment that has drawn Zalal's ire.

Zalal responded by asserting he is ready to prove Vallejos wrong, saying he intends to show that the fighter Vallejos called a "kid that runs" and "not fun to fight" possesses real skill and will hand him a lesson about competing at the highest level.