Youssef Zalal to headline UFC event this weekend, ranked seventh at featherweight

Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC event this weekend for the first time in his career. The Moroccan fighter debuted in the UFC in 2020, winning his first three fights before experiencing a rough patch with three losses and one draw. He then went to the American promotion Sparta and won three fights by first-round finish. Returning to the UFC in 2024, Zalal secured three submission victories and then defeated ranked opponents Calvin Kattar by decision and Josh Emmett by first-round armbar. Now ranked seventh at featherweight, just behind Gene Silva, a victory over Aljamain Sterling would move him into the top five.