Moroccan star projects 'robbery' against former champion at UFC Vegas 116

Youssef Zalal in victory in ufc vegas 95. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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Close to appearing in an Ultimate main event for the first time this Saturday (25), Youssef Zalal has the opportunity to add the first former champion to his record in the matchup against aljamain sterlingHowever, in addition to the possibility of extending his winning streak and gaining positions in the featherweight rankings (up to 65,7 kg), the fighter also aims to gain media attention with a victory against Aljo. He spoke about this during the... half day from UFC Vegas 116 last Wednesday (22).

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When discussing the comparison of their resumes made by sports fans, the Moroccan Demon expressed a desire to use the former champion's popularity as a platform for his development as an athlete, as well as an important step in his climb to success in the sport.

"It's crazy, it's making my resume look like garbage. It's really crazy, I saw them saying things like: 'Oh, Youssef didn't fight anyone. His only victory was against...'" Josh Emmett', and everything else. They also say: 'The Calvin kattar "It's 0-5," and things like that. I was like, 'These guys also fought these guys! I don't know what to say!' This is my time, I was young, these guys were in the UFC. I thought: it is what it is – but that's the beauty of this sport. You fight a guy like that, you win, and you practically steal his resume," he stated.

Youssef Zalal is 7-2 as a UFC Favorite

One of those losses was against Ilia Topuria 🤯 in 2020 (Ilia's UFC debut)

Since returning in 2024, Zalal is 5-0. He opened a dog against Billy Q, but closed a favorite. Every fight since he closed -300 or higherpic.twitter.com/gyoVomHjrp

— Liam Picks Fights (@LiamPicksFights) April 22, 2026

Youssef Zalal is experiencing the best phase of his career in the UFC.

Youssef Zalal complete Josh Emmett at UFC 320. Photo: Reproduction

At 29 years old, the Moroccan is in his second stint in the world's biggest MMA event. Between 2020 and 2022, he competed in seven fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), being released after four fights without a win. He returned two years later and since then has defeated five opponents in the company. In total, he has eight consecutive wins as a professional and now occupies the seventh position in the featherweight division ranking (up to 65,7 kg).