Calvin Kattar vs Youssef Zalal — Fight recap

Youssef Zalal defeated Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision over three rounds on February 15, 2025, with referee Dan Miragliotta overseeing the bout. Zalal's striking efficiency proved decisive, landing 74 of 133 significant strikes (55%) compared to Kattar's 38 of 134 (28%), a gap that defined the entire fight.

Zalal connected on 53 head strikes and 16 leg kicks, maintaining superior accuracy throughout, while Kattar managed only 27 head strikes and six leg kicks. Neither fighter attempted takedowns or submissions, making this a pure striking contest where Zalal controlled the pace and range with cleaner combinations and better footwork.

Kattar's low striking percentage and inability to find his range suggested Zalal's defensive movement and timing kept the Boston veteran consistently off-target. The decision sends Zalal up the featherweight rankings while raising questions about Kattar's ability to compete at elite 145-pound level.