Youssef Zalal Bio
Youssef Zalal is a Moroccan professional mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on September 4, 1996, in Casablanca, Morocco, he has established himself as a skilled fighter with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is ranked #7 in the UFC featherweight rankings as of October 7, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Youssef Zalal grew up in Casablanca, Morocco, where he often fought with other children on the streets. To help manage his anger, his mother enrolled him in kickboxing at the age of 10. At 15, Zalal moved to the United States, settling in Englewood, Colorado, which became his residence and training base.
His early exposure to martial arts through kickboxing laid the foundation for his later career in mixed martial arts. Zalal’s dedication to combat sports was further enhanced by his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he earned a black belt, showcasing his grappling proficiency.
Path to MMA
Zalal began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2017, initially competing in regional circuits primarily in Colorado. He built a solid record of 7 wins and 2 losses fighting for promotions such as Legacy Fighting Alliance. His early success in these regional events provided him with the experience and exposure needed to advance to the national stage.
His transition to the UFC marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to compete against higher-caliber opponents and gain recognition on the global MMA stage. His orthodox fighting stance and well-rounded skill set helped him adapt quickly to the demands of the UFC featherweight division.
Youssef Zalal Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Youssef Zalal started his professional MMA career in 2017, competing mainly in regional promotions. During this period, he compiled a 7-2 record, demonstrating his potential with a mix of striking and submission skills. His performances in Legacy Fighting Alliance were particularly notable, helping him gain attention from larger organizations.
These formative years were crucial for Zalal’s development, as he honed his craft and prepared for the challenges of competing at the highest level. His black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a key asset, allowing him to secure multiple submission victories early in his career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Zalal made his UFC debut on February 8, 2020, at UFC 247 against Austin Lingo, winning by unanimous decision. He followed this with consecutive unanimous decision victories over Jordan Griffin and Peter Barrett, establishing himself as a promising featherweight contender.
Despite a setback with a unanimous decision loss to Ilia Topuria in October 2020 and subsequent losses to Seung Woo Choi and Sean Woodson in 2021, Zalal continued to compete at a high level. He fought to a majority draw against Da’Mon Blackshear in August 2022 before being released from the UFC later that month.
Post UFC Career and Return (2022–Present)
After his release, Zalal made a strong comeback in the MMA circuit, winning fights by TKO and submission in various promotions such as Sparta Combat League. His victories included a first-round TKO over Edwin Chavez and Jake Childers, as well as a submission win over Vadim Zadnipryanyi.
Zalal returned to the UFC in 2024 with a series of impressive performances. He defeated Billy Quarantillo by rear-naked choke, Jarno Errens by first-round submission earning a Performance of the Night award, and Jack Shore by arm-triangle choke, also earning a Performance of the Night. He continued his winning streak with a unanimous decision over Calvin Kattar and a first-round armbar submission against Josh Emmett at UFC 320.
Driving Style and Strengths
Youssef Zalal fights with an orthodox stance and is known for his versatile grappling skills, particularly his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. His ability to secure submissions has been a hallmark of his career, with 10 of his 18 wins coming by submission. Zalal combines striking with effective ground control, making him a well-rounded and strategic fighter.
Notable Events and Milestones
Zalal’s UFC debut victory and his return to the promotion with multiple submission wins highlight key milestones in his career. His back-to-back Performance of the Night awards in 2024 underscore his rising status in the featherweight division. As of 2025, he holds a top-10 ranking in the UFC featherweight category.
Youssef Zalal Career Wins
Youssef Zalal has amassed a professional record of 18 wins and 5 losses across various MMA promotions. His victories include 4 by knockout, 10 by submission, and 5 by decision, reflecting his balanced fighting capabilities.
UFC Highlights
In the UFC, Zalal has secured multiple wins, including his debut unanimous decision victory over Austin Lingo. His recent wins by submission against notable opponents like Billy Quarantillo, Jarno Errens, Jack Shore, and Josh Emmett demonstrate his growth and effectiveness at the highest level of competition.
Other Wins & Performances
Outside the UFC, Zalal has achieved significant success in regional promotions, capturing wins primarily through submissions and technical knockouts. His performances in the Sparta Combat League and Legacy Fighting Alliance contributed to his reputation as a formidable featherweight contender.
Youssef Zalal Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Youssef Zalal’s family background are limited. He was raised in Casablanca, Morocco, where his mother played a pivotal role in his early martial arts training by enrolling him in kickboxing to help manage his temperament.
Personal Life
Youssef Zalal practices Islam and observes fasting during the month of Ramadan. He currently resides in Englewood, Colorado, where he trains with Factory X, his current team. Information about his marital status or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Youssef Zalal has demonstrated significant momentum in the UFC featherweight division. His victories over Calvin Kattar and Josh Emmett have solidified his position as a top contender. Training with Factory X, Zalal has shown improvements in both striking and grappling, contributing to his recent success.
His strategic approach and finishing ability have earned him recognition and increased his ranking to #7 in the division. With continued strong performances, Zalal is positioned to contend for higher-profile fights and potentially title contention in the near future.