Youssef Zalal

BIOGRAPHY

Youssef Zalal is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was born and raised in Casablanca, Morocco where he began training in karate at an early age. As his skill improved, he eventually transitioned to full-contact kickboxing, which earned him a spot on the Moroccan National Team. In 2016 he began focusing more heavily on mixed martial arts and joined Team Alpha Male as one of their amateur prospects.

His MMA career took off quickly, as he won each of his first four fights by submission or knockout to earn a contract with Brave Combat Federation. During this time period, he also competed for Italian promotion Venator FC before joining LFA in 2018. His streak continued there; winning his first two bouts via TKO while displaying excellent striking technique and groundwork prowess along the way. While competing for LFA under head coach Urijah Faber and other members of Team Alpha Male’s coaching staff, Zalal developed into one of the most promising lightweights outside of the UFC roster.

In 2020 Zalal signed with UFC after putting together an impressive 7-1 record over just three years since turning pro in 2016; all but one win coming by finish within two rounds. Since making his Octagon debut against Jordan Griffin at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs Lewis last May – ending it via unanimous decision – “The Moroccan Devil” has gone 2-1 inside the octagon thus far; most recently scoring a vicious one punch ko victory over Austin Lingo at UFC Fight Island 5 back in October 2020 .

Muhammad Ali famously said “you have to experience defeat to understand victory” – Youssef Zalal knows this mantra well having come through hard times growing up that shaped him into being resilient toward adversity both inside & outside of fighting competition.. Like many fighters from impoverished backgrounds Youssef continues to use MMA as a vehicle towards bettering himself & finding success not only financially but spiritually too; no matter what comes his way next you can be sure that The Moroccan Devil will remain focused & determined towards achieving greatness during whatever lies ahead for him inside or out side of the octagon