Youssef Zalal to headline UFC event for first time this weekend

Moroccan featherweight Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC event for the first time this weekend. The 29-year-old debuted in the UFC in 2020, winning his first three fights before struggling with three losses and a draw. He left for the American promotion Sparta, where he scored three first-round finishes. Zalal returned to the UFC in 2024 with three submission victories, then earned decision wins over ranked opponents Calvin Kattar and a first-round armbar finish of Josh Emmett. Now ranked number seven at featherweight, directly behind Jean Silva, a victory over Aljamain Sterling would move him into the top five.