Youssef Zalal will main event a UFC card this weekend, marking the first time in his career he has headlined a promotion event. The Moroccan fighter debuted in the UFC in 2020 with three consecutive victories, but then suffered three losses and one draw before leaving for the American promotion Sparta. During his time away, Zalal secured three first-round finishes. He returned to the UFC in 2024 and compiled three submission victories before defeating ranked opponents Calvin Kattar by decision and Josh Emmett by first-round armbar. Now ranked number seven at featherweight, the 29-year-old sits just behind Giga Chikadze and could crack the top five with a victory over Aljamain Sterling.
