Youssef Zalal to headline UFC event for first time in career this weekend

Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC card for the first time this weekend, marking a significant milestone in his career. The Moroccan fighter debuted in the UFC in 2020 with three consecutive wins before suffering three losses and a draw, which led to his release. Zalal rebuilt his career in the American promotion Sparta, securing three first-round finishes. Since returning to the UFC in 2024, he has won three fights by submission and defeated ranked opponents Calvin Kattar by decision and Josh Emmett by first-round armbar. Now ranked No. 7 at featherweight, the 29-year-old could break into the top five with a victory over Aljamain Sterling.