Youssef Zalal to headline UFC card for the first time this weekend

Youssef Zalal will main event a UFC card for the first time in his career this weekend. The 29-year-old Moroccan fighter debuted in the UFC in 2020, winning his first three fights before suffering three losses and a draw. He then left for the American promotion Sparta, where he secured three first-round finishes. Zalal returned to the UFC in 2024 and has since won five consecutive fights, including submission victories and notable wins over Calvin Kattar by decision and Josh Emmett by first-round armbar. He is currently ranked number seven in the featherweight division, just behind Jeon Jung-seop. A victory over Aljamain Sterling would move him into the top five.