UFC 320 – Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal: Preview & Betting Tips

Featherweights collide at UFC 320 when veteran knockout artist Josh Emmett takes on surging prospect Youssef Zalal in a three-round undercard bout.

Emmett (19-5) enters at 40 years old with a 19-5 record, and while his career has been defined by highlight-reel knockouts, his durability and speed have started to show cracks. 

Zalal (17-5-1) meanwhile, is the younger, fresher fighter at 29 years old. Known as “The Moroccan Devil,” Zalal thrives on movement and volume, and he has steadily made his way up the UFC featherweight rankings.

Tale of the Tape 

Josh Emmett – Odds 4.10 (Bet MGM)

Record: 19-5

Age: 40

Height: 5ft6

Reach: 70”

Weight: Featherweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Youssef Zalal – Odds 1.24 (Bet MGM)

Record: 17-5-1

Age: 29

Height: 5ft10

Reach: 72”

Weight: Featherweight 

Stance: Switch 

Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal: Analysis

Emmett stands just 5’6” with a 70-inch reach, which means he’s often forced to crash forward against taller, longer featherweights. His best weapon remains the overhand right, but his ability to close distance without taking damage has been increasingly inconsistent in the last few fights.

At 5’10” with a 72-inch reach, Zalal will enjoy clear physical advantages here. He mixes long striking with takedowns and owns nine submission wins in his career. Importantly, his defensive numbers are among the best in the division, making him one of the most elusive fighters at featherweight.

This matchup boils down to whether Emmett can land his signature bomb before Zalal dictates the tempo. Over three rounds, the advantage lies with the younger, more versatile fighter. Zalal’s lateral movement, jab, and calf kicks should frustrate Emmett early. If Emmett struggles to trap him against the fence, he may spend most of the fight swinging at air.

Zalal’s grappling also looms as a potential difference-maker. Emmett is rarely out-grappled, but he doesn’t offer much offense off his back. Zalal is slick in scrambles and could snatch a back take if the fight hits the mat. The longer this bout goes, the more Emmett’s power threat diminishes and Zalal’s skillset begins to shine.

Emmett vs Zalal: Prediction & Betting Tips

On paper, this fight is a classic “styles make fights” scenario, pitting Emmett’s one-punch knockout power and bull rushing movement against Zalal’s slick footwork, elusiveness, and grappling skillset. With both men hovering inside the top 10, the winner takes a meaningful step closer to title contention.

While Emmett remains a dangerous opponent, this fight feels tailor-made for Zalal. His youth, reach, controlling of range and angles, and grappling options make him the superior three-round fighter. Unless Emmett lands clean early, Zalal should control the action and walk away with a clear unanimous decision victory.

Take Youssef Zalal to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 1.67 (Bet MGM).