TLDR
- Youssef Zalal has left Factory X training facility following his loss to Aljamain Sterling
- The UFC featherweight has opened discussions with renowned coach Trevor Wittman about training
- Wittman trains former champions Kamaru Usman and Justin Gaethje at his Colorado facility
- Zalal holds a 15-5 professional record with six wins inside the UFC octagon
- No timeline has been announced for Zalal’s next fight or final decision on training camps
Sources: middleeasy.com | youtube.com
UFC featherweight Youssef Zalal has left Factory X training facility and started discussions with renowned coach Trevor Wittman about future training arrangements. The move comes after Zalal’s recent loss to former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.
Zalal, who currently holds a 15-5 professional mixed martial arts record, has been training at Factory X in Colorado for several years. The gym is known for producing top-level UFC competitors and has been home to multiple championship fighters.
The 28-year-old Moroccan-American fighter has not publicly stated specific reasons for the departure from Factory X. However, the timing suggests he is looking for a fresh approach following the Sterling defeat.
Trevor Wittman Connection
Trevor Wittman is widely considered one of the top MMA coaches in the world. He currently trains former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and former lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, among other high-level fighters.
People who believe Ilia Topuria is just a boxer are sadly mistaken. He threw Yousef Zalal every which way but loose in his short notice UFC debut pic.twitter.com/PcJ89kVld8
— Liam Picks Fights (@LiamPicksFights) April 17, 2025
Wittman is also based in Colorado and runs his own training facility. His coaching style emphasizes technical striking and strategic game planning.
Zalal has confirmed that talks with Wittman are ongoing but has not committed to making the switch official. The fighter has expressed interest in working with someone who can refine his striking skills and help him reach the next level in the UFC’s featherweight division.
The loss to Sterling marked a setback for Zalal’s momentum in the division. Sterling, who moved up from bantamweight, showcased his superior grappling skills in the bout.
Career Background
Zalal joined the UFC in 2019 and quickly made a name for himself with an aggressive fighting style. He has earned six wins inside the octagon, with victories over fighters including Jordan Griffin and Sean Woodson.
The featherweight division remains one of the most competitive in the UFC. Current champion Ilia Topuria has brought renewed attention to the weight class with his knockout power and technical skills.
Factory X has been home to several UFC fighters over the years, including former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. The facility offers comprehensive training in all aspects of MMA, from striking to wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Zalal has not announced a timeline for his next fight. UFC matchmakers typically give fighters several months between bouts, especially following losses.
The switch in training camps could take several weeks or months to finalize. Fighters often visit multiple gyms and work with different coaches before making a final decision on where to train.
Wittman’s camp has limited spots available due to his preference for working with a smaller group of fighters. This allows him to give more personalized attention to each athlete’s development and fight preparation.
Zalal remains ranked outside the top 15 in the featherweight division but has shown potential to climb the rankings with improved performances. His striking accuracy and cardio have been strengths throughout his UFC career.
The discussions with Wittman are expected to continue over the coming weeks as both sides evaluate whether the partnership makes sense for Zalal’s career goals.
