Youssef Zalal - News & Rumors - UFC | FOX Sports

"You pushed me to new limits" - Aljamain Sterling makes big Youssef Zalal prediction after latest win It was not the best night out for Morocco’s Youssef Zalal as he faced former UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling.

APRIL 27 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

UFC Vegas 116 results: Aljamain Sterling overpowers Youssef Zalal The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to action on Saturday night, with UFC Vegas 116 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. In the main event...

APRIL 26 • THEBIGLEAD.COM

"If I can't compete, then I don't want to do this" - Aljamain Sterling could have retired had he lost to Youssef Zalal Aljamain Sterling might have had a big decision to make if his latest fight didn’t finish well.

APRIL 26 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Routed in first UFC main event Zalal lost to Aljamain Sterling via unanimous decision (45-49, 45-49, 45-49) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Impact Zalal has looked like a completely different fighter since returning to the UFC in March 2024 for his second stint with the company. He won five straight bouts including four via stoppage and was worthy of this main event opportunity, but it simply seemed like too much for him once things got underway. He has zero answers for the grappling game of Sterling. Some of it was because his opponent is really good and some was his own doing. For example, Zalal was in firm control in Round 2, at which point he went for a wild spinning shot which gave Sterling an easy takedown. Youssef was gassed as the fight progressed due to all the defending he was forced to do. Zalal is still just 29 years old and should remain a top-10 featherweight for quite a while, even if he's not on the level of the top guys in the division.

APRIL 26 • ROTOWIRE

Facing Sterling in April Zalal will take on Aljamain Sterling at a UFC even in Las Vegas in April 25, Aaron Bronsteter of TSN.ca reports.

Impact Zalal is matched up with arguably the best opponent of his career in Sterling. Zalal will enter the bout winning each of his eight fights, which includes being 5-0 in his second stint with the UFC. Zalal most recently submitted Josh Emmett last October and will look to make a statement win for himself in just over a month's time.

MARCH 13 • ROTOWIRE

Youssef Zalal doubles down on Lerone Murphy callout after UFC 320 win Youssef Zalal speaks to MMA Junkie Radio following his quick submission win over Josh Emmett at Saturday's UFC 320 in Las Vegas.

OCTOBER 8, 2025 • USATODAY.COM

Youssef Zalal sets sights on top contender, expects Diego Lopes to get next UFC title shot Youssef Zalal expects Diego Lopes to get the next shot at Alexander Volkanosvki, so he wants a title eliminator bout against Lerone Murphy.

OCTOBER 6, 2025 • USATODAY.COM

Pereira dethrones Ankalaev with a 1st-round stoppage at UFC 320

Fan favorite Alex Pereira dethroned Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, taking the light heavyweight championship with a first-round stoppage Saturday night

OCTOBER 5, 2025 • Associated Press

Youssef Zalal ready for title talks after quick submission of Josh Emmett UFC 320 winner Youssef Zalal spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters post-fight after his first-round submission of Josh Emmett

OCTOBER 5, 2025 • USATODAY.COM

Easily taps Josh Emmett Zalal defeated Josh Emmett via verbal submission (armbar) at 1:38 of Round 1 at UFC 320 on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Impact You look at a result like this and it's crazy to think Zalal was released from the UFC back in 2022 following a four-fight winless streak (0-3, 1NC). Upwards of a -500 favorite for a second straight fight, Zalal landed the easiest takedown you will ever see early on before expertly controlling and tapping Emmett on the mat. A win over Emmett in the latter stages of 2025 doesn't mean all that much, but Zalal continues to pass every test put in front of him with flying colors. The 29-year-old has won five straight, including four via submission, and is closing in on title-implicating bouts at 145 pounds.

OCTOBER 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

UFC 320: Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal: Live round-by-round updates Josh Emmett and surging prospect Youssef Zalal square off in an interesting featherweight showdown in the main card of UFC 320.

OCTOBER 4, 2025 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

UFC 320: Josh Emmett full media day interview UFC 320 fighter Josh Emmett spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters at media day for his main card bout vs. Youssef Zalal on Saturday in Las Vegas...

OCTOBER 1, 2025 • USATODAY.COM

Gets step up against Emmett Zalal will take on Josh Emmett in a featherweight matchup at UFC 320 on Oct. 4, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.

Impact Zalal is due for a step up in competition after compiling four consecutive victories -- a streak that includes three submission wins, two of which merited post-fight bonuses. He'll get the No. 8-ranked Emmett as a result, a UFC veteran that has recently been relegated to gatekeeper status after dropping three of his last four fights. Zalal has better defensive striking numbers, but outside of a 2020 loss to Ilia Topuria, he has yet to face an opponent with the fight-ending power of Emmett. However, Zalal does have physical advantages, namely a four-inch edge in height and two-inch edge in reach (in addition to being more than 10 years younger). He also brings more of a grappling game to the table, though Emmett has been submitted just once in his 24-fight pro career.

AUGUST 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

UFC 320 adds Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal UFC 320 keeps getting deeper and deeper.

AUGUST 23, 2025 • USATODAY.COM