Youssef Zalal set to headline UFC card for first time this weekend

Moroccan featherweight Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC event for the first time in his career this weekend. The 29-year-old debuted in the UFC in 2020, winning his first three fights before experiencing a rough patch with three losses and a draw. Zalal left for the American promotion Sparta, where he secured three first-round finishes. He returned to the UFC in 2024 and has been on a tear, submitting three opponents before earning ranked competition. After defeating Calvin Kattar by decision, he submitted Josh Emmett in the first round. Zalal currently sits at number seven in the featherweight rankings, just behind Dzan Silva, and a victory over Sterling would push him into the top five.