Youssef Zalal - News & Rumors - UFC | FOX Sports

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