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MLS·ANALYSIS·October 2, 2026 06:03 PM ET

Dern, Royval and Zalal swap the octagon for the pitch

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 47m1 min read
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We put the UFC crew to the test Mackenzie Dern, Brandon Royval and Youssef Zalal traded the octagon for the pitch 🥊 htt Via @realsaltlake on X

What happened: Mackenzie Dern, Brandon Royval and Youssef Zalal took part in a soccer crossover tied to Real Salt Lake, moving from MMA branding to an on-pitch appearance. The item centers on the three UFC names stepping into a club activation rather than any competitive result.

Why it matters: The crossover gives Real Salt Lake an off-field way to reach beyond its usual MLS audience by attaching recognizable UFC personalities to the club. Its impact is promotional, with no direct effect on standings, roster decisions or match availability.

What to watch: Watch for whether Real Salt Lake turns the crossover into a broader matchday appearance or sponsor tie-in during the stretch run.

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