Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Yousri Belgaroui prediction, odds, pick for UFC Seattle

We’re back once more with Essential Card motion for UFC Seattle: Adesanya vs. Pyfer as it is time for a prediction and pick for this next Middleweight (185) clash. Mansur Abdul-Malik of MMA Masters will tackle Tunisia’s Yousri Belgaroui in what must be a highly-competitive bout. Check our UFC odds series for the Abdul-Malik-Belgaroui prediction and pick.

Mansur Abdul-Malik (9-0-1) has gone 3-0-1 since arriving to the UFC in 2024. Winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, he notched a standing guillotine finish over Antonio Trocoli his last trip. He is available in the near-even betting favorite trying to remain perfect. Abdul-Malik stands 6-foot-2 with a 79.5-inch reach.

Yousri Belgaroui (9-3) will make his second walk to the UFC octagon following a successful debut win over Azamat Bekoev within the third round. He’s won four-straight fights (3 TKO) heading into this bout, so expect significant improvement as he faces his hardest test to-date. Belgaroui stands 6-foot-6 with a 79-inch reach.

UFC Seattle Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Seattle Odds: Mansur Abdul-Malik-Yousri Belgaroui Odds

Mansur Abdul-Malik: -115

Yousri Belgaroui: -105

Over 1.5 rounds: -215

Under 1.5 rounds: +165

Why Mansur Abdul-Malik Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Antonio Trocoli – SUB (standing guillotine, R1)
• Last 5: 4-0-1
• Finishes: 7 KO/TKO, 2 SUB

Mansur Abdul-Malik comes into this bout following the most effective UFC outing of his transient stint, quickly putting away a dangerous opponent like Antonio Trocoli away with a dominant guillotine choke. It was just Abdul-Malik’s second profession win by submission and while he’s rather more efficient ending fights along with his hands, he’ll actually take the submission if his opponent allows for it. Except for the lone ‘No Contest’ blemish on his record, Abdul-Malik hasn’t shown too many weaknesses within the octagon up so far.

Mansur Abdul-Malik is a terrifying puncher and has dazed opponents on the feet in several of his fights leading into this one. Most of the time, he’s capable of subsequently end the fight with follow-up strikes, so Abdul-Malik is continually trying to find the one shot that puts his opponent down. Together with his recent work to the body, do not be surprised if he’ll be trying to mix things up by way of where he’s landing punches and kicks.

He’ll must cope with a major height drawback, but Abdul-Malik actually has the marginally longer reach. The reach should allow him to confidently close the space while still avoiding shots coming back his way. He fights behind a solid 51% striking defense up so far and could have to show in a full three rounds of kickboxing against this opponent.

Why Yousri Belgaroui Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Azamat Bekoev – TKO (punches, R3)
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 7 KO/TKO

Yousri Belgaroui made good on his UFC debut by putting away Azamat Bekoev late within the fight with a flurry of punches, getting that elusive first promotional win under his belt and coming into this second appearance as a near-even underdog. He’ll have height and confidence on his side throughout this fight, but his own 61% striking defense could have to be on full display as he tries to avoid a fast knockout on this fight.

Belgaroui fights behind a world of Muay Thai kickboxing experience, actually difficult Alex Pereira for the a Glory Kickboxing Championship back in 2018. He’s also seen previous UFC opposition like Marco Tulio, but he got here up short in each of those bouts because the step-up in competition has given him some trouble. His ability to notch the knockout late in his last fight shows his willingness to scrap and stay alive during a full fight.

Belgaroui keeps his arm guard extremely high and he’s very tough to hit for many Muay Thai specialists, let alone MMA opponents with various kickboxing backgrounds. In a three-round stand-up fight, Belgaroui will likely be the cleaner and more technical striker opposite of Abdul-Malik, so keeping this fight on the feet shall be paramount to his success early.

Final Mansur Abdul-Malik-Yousri Belgaroui Prediction & Pick

This must be one other classic within the making as each fighters have a ton to prove at this early stage of their UFC careers. Mansur Abdul-Malik has yet to point out any true weaknesses to his game, but he’ll must be razor-sharp along with his striking against a Muay Thai savant like Belgaroui.

Yousri Belgaroui will definitely have the advantage during this fight if he can manage to maintain it one the feet. Controlling the space should keep him secure against Abdul-Malik who tends to blow up into his offense. Belgaroui must be the one dictating the space along with his distance control, so we must be the lookout for Abdul-Malik to eventually shoot for a takedown.

Belgaroui has shown a solid ability to stay on his feet during previous bouts, but Abdul-Malik’s strength within the wrestling should give him an edge in putting Belgaroui where he’s most uncomfortable. This fight is incredibly near call, but we will roll with Mansur Abdul-Malik to earn the win by a slight margin on the judges’ scorecards.

Final Mansur Abdul-Malik-Yousri Belgaroui Prediction & Pick: Mansur Abdul-Malik (-115); OVER 1.5 (-215)