Youssef Zalal makes most of short-notice shot with UFC 247 debut win

HOUSTON – Youssef Zalal beat Austin Lingo with a unanimous decision Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC 247 in Houston.

Take a look inside the fight with Zalal, who upset Lingo and handed him the first loss of his professional career.

Result: Youssef Zalal def. Austin Lingo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Zalal (8-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Lingo (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Key stat: Zalal outstruck Lingo, who was more than a 2-1 favorite, 49-16 and landed 61 percent of his strike attempts and six takedowns.

Zalal on the fight’s key moment

“I was supposed to control the middle more, go in, have my fun. But hey, it’s my UFC debut.”

Zalal on his short-notice opportunity

“It felt amazing to make my UFC debut here in Houston, opening up a pay-per-view event. I know I belong in there. I know my manager, my coaches, everybody was waiting for me to get my shot, and it finally came. Doing my walk to the octagon for the first time, seeing what it feels like – obviously, I didn’t feel like myself. But it was amazing. I was super ready. I just feel grateful and blessed to have this opportunity.”

Zalal on what he wants next

“My manager just said I should just have fun now and enjoy my win. Twelve days ago, I wasn’t even in the UFC. Now I’m in the UFC and with a win. I’m very grateful and blessed to be here now and I will stay ready for whatever comes next.”

To hear more from Zalal, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.