Youssef Zalal has announced his departure from Factory X MMA. The featherweight contender known as 'The Moroccan Devil' revealed he is in talks with renowned trainer Trevor Wittman about a potential new coaching partnership.
Youssef Zalal has announced his departure from Factory X MMA and confirmed he is in discussions with celebrated trainer Trevor Wittman over a potential new coaching arrangement, the featherweight contender revealed on September 6, 2026.
Zalal, known as "The Moroccan Devil," enters this transition as the number-eight ranked featherweight in the UFC. The 30-year-old carries a professional record of 18-6-1 and brings a well-rounded skill set to any gym that takes him on. Standing five-foot-ten with a 72-inch reach, the Morocco-born, United States-based fighter operates out of a switch stance and has built a reputation as a versatile threat. He lands 3.03 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 2.17 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that keeps opponents guessing across all phases of the fight. He adds further danger with 1.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underscoring his willingness to work on the mat as well as on the feet.
Trevor Wittman, the trainer Zalal is reportedly in talks with, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished coaches in mixed martial arts, having guided multiple world champions throughout his career. No formal agreement has been announced, and the partnership remains in the discussion phase.
Why it matters
- A move to Wittman's setup could sharpen Zalal's striking, which is already a strength, heading into a pivotal stretch in the featherweight division.
- At ranked eighth, Zalal sits within striking distance of the top five, making the quality of his coaching corner a meaningful variable.
- The gym change signals Zalal is taking stock of his career and making deliberate moves to position himself for a deeper run at 145 pounds.
