Sterling defeated Zalal in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Aljamain Sterling simply put on a show in the main event of UFC Vegas 116. At the event held this Saturday (25), the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) dominated Youssef Zalal , securing his second consecutive victory in the featherweight division (up to 65,8 kg). The veteran's performance, aged 36, was so impressive that all three judges scored it 10-8 in the fourth round.
The only round in which Sterling had trouble dealing with the Moroccan was the third. For the remainder of the fight, the veteran lived up to his status as a complete and intelligent fighter.
See too
The American was not intimidated in the striking exchanges, landing good kicks and powerful punches on Zalal, and excelling even more in grappling. A specialist in the area, the athlete executed several takedowns on his opponent, controlled him on the ground, delivered a brutal ground and pound, and nearly finished him.
With his impressive performance, Sterling moved closer to a featherweight title shot. In fact, the current champion, Alexander Volkanovski, has already expressed interest in facing the former bantamweight king.
Watch the highlights of Sterling's victory over Zalal at UFC Vegas 116.
Timed to perfection 🤌
[ #UFCVegas116 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/B9ywJhKc1N
— UFC (@ufc) April 26, 2026
Woow every time you surprise Zalal ‼️ Sterling sends it to the ground 😱 #UFCVegas116 | Watch live by @PPlusDeportes pic.twitter.com/XGoG4Q6GXD
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) April 26, 2026
BE CAREFUL !! Watch live by @PPlusDeportes pic.twitter.com/7HiyOVzP1U
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) April 26, 2026
Aljamain Sterling came out with everything for the 4th round 🔥 This is the experience of a former champion 😮💨 #UFCVegas116 | Watch live by @PPlusDeportes pic.twitter.com/Os0elF7zJC
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) April 26, 2026
🤪🤪🤪
[ #UFCVegas116 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/our8GXicZP
— UFC (@ufc) April 26, 2026
It's not over until it's over🔥 The championship continues to hold until the end 👊🏻 #UFCVegas116 | Watch live by @PPlusDeportes pic.twitter.com/Er8hpwvnGH
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) April 26, 2026
Relive the summary of the stellar battle where Aljamain Sterling was once in Zalal 🔥 #UFCVegas116 | Watch live by @PPlusDeportes pic.twitter.com/AncD6sgC8u
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) April 26, 2026
UFC Vegas 116 results
MAIN CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Aljamain Sterling defeated Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Joselyne Edwards defeated Norma Dumont by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Rafa Garcia defeated Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Davey Grant defeated Adrian Juan Martinetti by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Raoni Barcelos defeated Montel Jackson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Ryan Spann defeated Marcus Buchecha by knockout (punch) at 2:08 of round 2.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Eric McConico defeated Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Jackson McVey defeated Sedriques Dumas by submission (inverted arm triangle) at 2:14 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Michelle Montague defeated Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Cody Durden defeated Jafel Filho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Francis Marshall defeated Lucas Brennan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Victor Valenzuela defeated Max Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Talita Alencar defeated Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.