Youssef Zalal to headline UFC event for first time this weekend

Moroccan featherweight Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC card for the first time in his career this weekend. The 29-year-old fighter debuted in the UFC in 2020, winning his first three fights before suffering three losses and one draw. After leaving for the Sparta promotion where he secured three first-round finishes, Zalal returned to the UFC in 2024. Since his return, he has won three fights by submission, defeated ranked opponent Calvin Kattar by decision, and submitted Josh Emmett in the first round. Currently ranked number seven in the featherweight division, Zalal sits just behind Dian Silva and will face Aljamain Sterling in the main event, with a win potentially moving him into the top five.