Youssef Zalal to headline UFC event for first time this weekend

Moroccan fighter 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 suffering three losses and a draw, which led to his departure to Sparta promotion where he scored three first-round finishes. After returning to the UFC in 2024, Zalal secured three submission victories and earned a ranked opponent, defeating Calvin Kattar by decision before submitting Josh Emmett in the first round. Currently ranked number 7 at featherweight, positioned just behind Jean Silva, a victory over Aljamain Sterling would propel him into the top five of the division.