Youssef Zalal to headline UFC event for first time in career

Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC event this weekend for the first time in his career. The Moroccan fighter debuted in the UFC in 2020, winning his first three fights before suffering three losses and a draw. He then competed in the American promotion Sparta, earning three first-round finishes. Zalal returned to UFC in 2024, securing three submission victories before facing ranked opponents. He defeated Calvin Kattar by decision and submitted Josh Emmett in the first round. Currently ranked number 7 at featherweight, the 29-year-old sits just behind Jean Silva and could enter the top 5 with a victory over Sterling.