MMA Preview – Billy Quarantillo vs Youssef Zalal at UFC ESPN 53
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BILLY QUARANTILLO VS YOUSSEF ZALAL FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 53? Sunday 24th March, 2024 - 00:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 53? UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 53? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 53 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 53? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
BILLY QUARANTILLO VS YOUSSEF ZALAL LOWDOWN
Billy Quarantillo (18-5) has been alternating wins and losses since 2020 which is not surprising consider his level of competition. After knocking out Gabriel Benitez (2021), he got outpointed by Shane Burgos (2021) but then responded with another TKO which was over Alexander Hernandez (2022). He then flew into a different realm after swallowing Edson Barboza’s (2023) but got back in the win column with a unanimous decision over Damon Jackson (2023)
He was scheduled to fight Gabriel Miranda who had to pull out. This has given Youssef Zalal (13-5-1) the opportunity for redemption. He crept into prospect status after winning his first two UFC fights back in 2020 but then lost three decisions to Ilia Topuria (2020), Seung Woo Choi (2021) and Sean Woodson (2021) before fighting to a draw with Da’Mon Blackshear (2022). He has since picked up a couple knockouts and a submission on the regional scene before getting the call-up.
BILLY QUARANTILLO VS YOUSSEF ZALAL PREDICTION
There is a lot to prove for both fighters and this is a good test to foresee their shelf-life in the UFC. They are both very well-rounded as strikers by trade who can grapple.
Zalal has better technique and a wider array of strikes whereas Quarantillo relies more on his volume and pressure. We expect an exciting battle on the feet in between scrambles which is likely to be initiated by Quarantillo.
Zalal is good enough to make a run in the UFC, but this is a rough match-up for him and we expect Quarantillo to convince the judges with his output and takedowns.
Prediction: Quarantillo via Decision
Value bet: Zalal via Decision
