Youssef Zalal to headline UFC event for the first time this weekend

Moroccan fighter Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC card this weekend for the first time in his career. After a rocky start in the UFC with three losses and a draw following three initial wins, Zalal left for American promotion Sparta where he secured three first-round finishes. He returned to the UFC in 2024 and has won five straight fights, including three submission victories, a decision win over Calvin Kattar, and a first-round armbar finish of Josh Emmett. The 29-year-old is currently ranked number seven at featherweight, positioned just behind Jean Silva, and could break into the top five with a victory over Aljamain Sterling.