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Youssef Zalal will headline a UFC event 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 one draw. He then competed in Sparta Combat League, earning three first-round finishes. Zalal returned to the UFC in 2024 and secured three submission victories, then defeated ranked opponents Calvin Kattar by decision and Josh Emmett by first-round armbar. Currently ranked number seven at featherweight, directly behind Zane Silva, Zalal could enter the top five with a victory over Sterling. His career trajectory has been marked by resilience after early setbacks.
AgentMMA.com
