Goodbye, Jean Silva? In top form, Aljamain Sterling puts on a show, dominates Zalal and challenges champion Volkanovski in the UFC.

Sterling defeated Zalal in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Former king of the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg), aljamain sterling He showed that he also has the capacity to be a featherweight champion (up to 65,8 kg). In the main fight of UFC Vegas 116, an event held this Saturday (25), the American dominated Youssef Zalal, inflicting his first defeat upon returning to the organization. With the impressive unanimous decision victory, his second in a row, the veteran, ranked fifth in the division, gained momentum in the race to challenge for the belt.

So much so that Sterling, aware of the weight of his MMA resume, wasted no time and has already asked to be the number one contender in the competitive division. Therefore, the athlete, who is number five in the rankings, doesn't want to hear about... Movsar Evloevmuch less than Jean Silva, who are also keeping an eye on the champion Alexander VolkanovskyAnd, in the end, the American could come out on top, since the Australian has already shown himself open to facing him, as he recognizes his importance in the sport.

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Sterling displays skill and strength against Zalal.

Sterling started the round by focusing on kicks against Zalal. Zalal, being taller, chased Sterling and landed jabs. Gaining confidence, Sterling landed two powerful punches to Zalal's face. In response, Zalal also punched Sterling in the midsection. Midway through the round, Sterling grabbed Zalal but couldn't take him down. However, in the next exchange, Sterling capitalized on Zalal throwing a flying knee, dodged the strike, and took him down. Even from the bottom, Zalal attempted an armbar, but Sterling defended and attacked with punches and knees.

In the second round, Sterling again threw low kicks at Zalal. Quickly, Sterling cornered Zalal against the cage and grabbed him, but couldn't control him. Then, Zalal landed a good punch on Sterling and a powerful knee strike. Recovering from the scare, Sterling continued kicking Zalal's legs. In an exchange of blows, Sterling grabbed Zalal again and scored with punches. In the striking exchanges, Zalal proved sharper and frequently threw jabs at Sterling. In a moment of carelessness, Zalal turned his back and Sterling took advantage to take him down. On Zalal's back, Sterling punished him with punches.

In the third round, Zalal landed a dangerous knee strike on Sterling, who resisted and went for a takedown. Displaying immense strength, Sterling lifted Zalal and slammed him to the ground. Opportunistic, Zalal capitalized on the movement to apply a tight guillotine choke on Sterling, who survived. On top, Zalal struggled to attack Sterling, who threatened him with tackles and kicks. On Sterling's back, Zalal attempted a rear-naked choke, but couldn't secure the submission.

In the fourth round, Sterling cornered Zalal against the cage and delivered a flurry of kicks and knees. On Zalal's back, Sterling landed powerful punches and attempted a rear-naked choke. Despite the pressure, Zalal resisted, but Sterling continued to press him. Comfortable on the ground, Sterling continued to land punches on Zalal. In the final moments, Zalal got back to his feet, but was met with a dangerous blitz from Sterling.

In the fifth and final round, Zalal landed a dangerous knee strike on Sterling. Defending himself, Sterling seized the opportunity and clinched with Zalal, clearly intending to take him down. In the ensuing exchange, Sterling threw straight punches at Zalal and quickly took him down. On top, Sterling controlled Zalal and took his back. With a clear advantage, Sterling continued to punish Zalal with punches and celebrated the victory prematurely.

UFC Vegas 116 results

MAIN CARD

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): aljamain sterling derrotou Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision of the judges (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Joselyne Edwards derrotou Norm Dumont by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Rafa Garcia derrotou Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): davey grant defeated Adrian Juan Martinetti by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Raoni barcelos derrotou Montel Jackson by split decision of the judges (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Ryan spann derrotou Marcus Buchecha by knockout (punch) at 2:08 of round 2

PRELIMINARY CARD

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Eric McConico defeated Rudolph Vieira by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Jackson McVey defeated Sedriques Dumas by submission (inverted triangle choke) at 2:14 of Round 1

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Michelle Montague defeated Mayra Silva by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): cody durden derrotou Jafel Filho by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Francis Marshall defeated Lucas Brennan by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Victor Valenzuela defeated Max griffin by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Talita Alencar defeated Julia Polastri by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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