Youssef Zalal to headline first UFC card, faces title contention at #7 ranking

Moroccan fighter Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC event this weekend for the first time in his career. The 29-year-old debuted in the UFC in 2020, winning his first three fights before losing three and drawing one, which led to his release. He then competed in the Sparta promotion, securing three first-round finishes. Zalal returned to the UFC in 2024 and has since won three fights by submission, followed by a decision victory over ranked opponent Calvin Kattar and a first-round armbar finish of Josh Emmett. Currently ranked number 7 at featherweight, directly behind Jin Silva, a win over Aljamain Sterling would move him into the top 5.