Yardbarker
x
Yousri Belgaroui Breaks Through with Statement Finish at UFC Seattle
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Yousri Belgaroui Breaks Through with Statement Finish at UFC Seattle

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Robert LaMar  |  Last updated Mar 29, 2026 12:16 AM ET

SEATTLE — Yousri Belgaroui is proving he belongs.After years of knocking on the UFC’s door, the former Glory kickboxing standout delivered another emphatic performance, stopping Mansur Abdul-Malik at UFC Fight Night 271 inside Climate Pledge Arena.Belgaroui (10-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) methodically broke down Abdul-Malik before closing the show in Round 3. The formula was simple and brutal:

  • Persistent leg kicks to slow movement
  • Controlled pacing and distance
  • A perfectly timed knee to the body

The finish came at 3:39 of Round 3, capping off a performance that showed both patience and precision.

From Contender Series Rejection to UFC Rise

Belgaroui’s journey to this moment wasn’t easy. Despite multiple appearances on Dana White’s Contender Series, he was repeatedly passed over for a contract. Instead of fading away, he stayed ready. When the opportunity finally came on short notice in October, he seized it stopping Azamat Bekov and earning his place.

Now: He’s 2-0 in the UFC and building momentum fast

Elite Pedigree Starting to Show

Training alongside Alex Pereira, Belgaroui’s striking pedigree was evident throughout the fight. A former Glory kickboxing title challenger, he displayed:

  • High-level timing
  • Composure under pressure
  • Fight IQ beyond his UFC experience

Pereira himself was cageside, watching closely as his teammate delivered. Coming into the fight, Abdul-Malik (9-1-1 MMA, 3-1-1 UFC) was on a strong run. He had built momentum with wins over:

  • Dusko Todorovic
  • Nick Klein
  • Antonio Trocoli

…and a draw against Cody Brundage. Saturday marked: His first professional loss And a reminder of the jump in competition at the highest level.

What This Means at Middleweight

Belgaroui’s performance adds another dangerous striker to an already stacked division. With his combination of:

  • Kickboxing pedigree
  • Finishing ability
  • Growing confidence

He’s quickly becoming a name to watch at 185 pounds. Yousri Belgaroui waited for his moment. Now he’s making up for lost time. Two fights. Two wins. One clear message: He’s not just in the UFC he’s here to stay.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!