Youssef Zalal will headline his first UFC event this weekend, representing a major milestone for the 29-year-old Moroccan fighter. Zalal debuted in the UFC in 2020, winning his first three fights before suffering three losses and one draw, which led to his release. He then competed in the American promotion Sparta, earning three first-round finishes. Upon returning to the UFC in 2024, he secured three submission victories and defeated ranked opponents Calvin Kattar by decision and Josh Emmett via first-round armbar. Currently ranked number seven in the featherweight division, Zalal sits just behind Giga Chikadze and could break into the top five with a victory over Aljamain Sterling.
