UFC 320: Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal Preview & Prediction
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The main card continues with a battle between ranked featherweights as heavy-hitting veteran Josh Emmett takes on the surging Youssef Zalal in a high-stakes clash in the 145lb division.
Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal facts
What time are Josh Emmett and Youssef Zalal expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 320
What TV channel is UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 main card
Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira (Light Heavyweight)
Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen (Bantamweight)
Jiri Prochazka vs Khalil Rountree Jr. (Light Heavyweight)
Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal (Featherweight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov vs Joe Pyfer (Middleweight)
UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 prelims
Ateba Abega Gautier vs Treston Vines (Middleweight)
Edmen Shahbazyan vs Andre Muniz (Middleweight)
Chris Gutierrez vs Farid Basharat (Bantamweight)
Daniel Santos vs Yoo Joo-sang (Featherweight)
Macy Chiasson vs Yana Santos (Women’s Bantamweight)
Patchy Mix vs Jakub Wiklacz (Bantamweight)
Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov (Welterweight)
Ramiz Brahimaj vs Austin Vanderford (Welterweight)
Veronica Hardy vs Brogan Walker (Women’s Flyweight)
Josh Emmett: Power-punching veteran still swinging at 40
Josh Emmett (19-5) returns to action at 40 years old, ranked #8 in the division. The American is widely regarded as one of the most powerful punchers in the UFC, with his overhand right capable of shutting the lights out at any moment. His last outing, however, saw him comfortably outpointed by rising contender Lerone Murphy in a bout that highlighted Emmett's growing struggles with speed and movement.
Despite his recent form, Emmett’s résumé remains strong, with wins over the likes of Ricardo Lamas, Shane Burgos, and a terrifying KO of Bryce Mitchell still fresh in fans' memories. With 15 UFC fights and experience against elite names like Ilia Topuria, Emmett remains a dangerous, if one-dimensional, threat.
Youssef Zalal: The Moroccan Devil rising through the ranks
After being cut from the UFC in 2022 following a four-fight winless run, Youssef Zalal (17-5-1) has bounced back in spectacular fashion. Now ranked #9, the 29-year-old Moroccan is on a seven-fight winning streak, including four straight since rejoining the promotion. Most recently, Zalal picked apart veteran Calvin Kattar with a clinical display of footwork and volume striking to earn a clear unanimous decision victory.
Known for his elusive, stick-and-move style, Zalal avoids unnecessary exchanges and prefers to frustrate opponents with distance management and sharp jabs. A well-rounded fighter, he also brings solid grappling and BJJ skills, making him a tough puzzle to solve.
Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal prediction
Emmett’s trademark power is always a threat, but his heavy reliance on looping punches is becoming increasingly easier to read—especially for more mobile, technical strikers. Zalal’s evasive movement, combined with his jab-heavy approach, presents a nightmare matchup for the aging Emmett.
Unless Emmett can land something huge early, expect Zalal to keep his distance, stick to the gameplan, and frustrate the veteran over three rounds en route to a clear decision victory.
Prediction: Youssef Zalal to win via unanimous decision
