Driven by the ambition to surpass himself and proudly represent his country, Youssef Zalal has made a name for himself in the demanding world of MMA. As he approaches new victories, he dreams of becoming the first Moroccan UFC champion. With a career marked by resilience and passion, Zalal shares with us in this interview a deep reflection on his journey, his aspirations, and his desire to contribute to the growth of martial arts in Morocco.
- You grew up in Casablanca and moved to the United States at the age of 13. How did this change impact your fighting career?
Moving to the United States was a major change for me. Growing up in Casablanca, I was always surrounded by my family and our culture. When I moved to the U.S. at 13, everything changed: the opportunities, the lifestyle, and even my way of thinking. There were more resources and greater exposure to combat sports, particularly MMA. The economy and knowledge available in the U.S. are on a different level, which had a huge impact on my growth as a fighter.
- You were introduced to martial arts at a very young age. How did this early exposure to combat sports shape your personality and fighting style?
Starting martial arts at a young age deeply influenced me, even though it didn’t fundamentally change my personality. What it brought me was greater self-control, discipline, and rigor. From the start, I understood that progress in martial arts required patience, perseverance, and, above all, the ability to handle failure without giving up. In terms of my fighting style, this early exposure helped me develop a thoughtful approach. I never rest on my laurels. Every victory is a step forward, but every defeat has pushed me to analyze, question myself, and improve. This constant process of reflection and adjustment is at the core of my approach to fighting.
- You made your UFC debut in 2020. What memories do you have of that first fight, and how did you prepare mentally?
My first UFC fight is etched in my memory as one of the most important moments of my career. It was much more than just a fight; it was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifices. My team at Factory X had prepared me intensively, in every aspect: from grappling to boxing to jiu-jitsu. But the mental preparation was just as crucial. I knew that the UFC was a whole different level, a different kind of pressure. I had to refocus on my goals and not be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event. On that day, I entered the octagon with one thing in mind: to show the world that I belonged among the best.
- After leaving the UFC in 2022, you made a strong comeback. What allowed you to bounce back so successfully?
What allowed me to bounce back was primarily deep mental work. After leaving the UFC, I took a step back to reflect on my journey. I realized it wasn’t just about techniques or physical performance, but more about mentality. I had to relearn to trust my abilities and remind myself why I started this sport. It's in moments of doubt that we grow the most. I focused on my personal and professional growth. It was no longer just about returning to the UFC but about redefining what being a fighter meant to me. This maturity, this new perspective, is what fueled my comeback.
- Your most recent fight earned you the "Performance Of The Night" award. Can you describe that moment and what it means to you?
It was an indescribable moment. Winning "Performance of the Night" is more than just recognition; it’s validation of all the effort and sacrifices I’ve made. It shows that every training session, every injury, every challenge was a step toward that moment. But beyond the title, it’s also an extra source of motivation. It proves that I’m on the right track and that I continue to improve. For me, this is not just an achievement but a starting point for new ambitions. Winning this award is proof that I can go even further.
- MMA is booming in Morocco. How do you view this evolution, and how do you plan to contribute personally?
I’m extremely happy to see MMA developing in Morocco. It’s a sport that still has a lot of untapped potential here. With the opening of new facilities, like the UFC Gym, we see a growing interest among young people in this discipline. When I return to Morocco, I always make it a point to share what I’ve learned, whether through seminars, training sessions, or simply by sharing my experience. I think the key to advancing MMA in Morocco is investing in the training of young people, giving them the tools and guidance they need to shine on the international stage. This is a project that’s close to my heart, and I hope to contribute significantly to it in the years to come.
- You’ve expressed the dream of becoming the first Moroccan UFC champion. How close do you think you are to achieving this goal, and what drives you to pursue this dream?
This dream is more alive than ever. Each fight brings me a little closer to that goal, and I truly believe it’s achievable. What motivates me is the idea of representing not just my career, but an entire country on the international stage. Becoming the first Moroccan UFC champion would prove that we belong among the best fighters in the world. Every day, I wake up with this idea in mind, and it fuels my determination. It’s not just a personal dream; it’s a responsibility—to carry the hopes of those who believe in me, both in Morocco and elsewhere.
Youssef Zalal: A Fighter’s JourneyBorn on September 4, 1996, in Casablanca, Youssef Zalal is a Moroccan MMA fighter whose exemplary journey illustrates perseverance and sporting excellence. From a young age, he developed a passion for martial arts, a discipline that became both a way of life and a vocation for him. As a teenager, he emigrated to the United States, where he discovered new opportunities in the world of MMA. Nicknamed "The Moroccan Devil," Zalal quickly climbed the ranks to join the UFC, the world’s most prestigious mixed martial arts organization.Zalal boasts a solid professional record with 15 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw in MMA, including several notable victories, the most recent being a submission win against Jarno Errens at UFC Fight Night in August 2024. Competing in the featherweight division (66 kg), he is known for his versatile style, blending grappling, boxing, and jiu-jitsu techniques. It’s not just his physical skills that define him, but also a mentality forged by adversity. Despite the challenges he has faced, Zalal continues to progress, with the ambition of becoming the first Moroccan UFC champion, while remaining deeply connected to his roots and committed to contributing to the development of MMA in Morocco.
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