In an electrifying showcase of skill and determination, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling demonstrated why he remains a formidable contender in mixed martial arts with his recent unanimous decision victory over Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116. Sterling’s triumph not only reinforces his aspirations for a featherweight title shot but also highlights the ever-evolving landscape of the UFC, where fighters from diverse backgrounds continue to leave their mark on the sport.
In a remarkable performance that captivated audiences, Aljamain Sterling secured a decisive victory over Youssef Zalal in the main event of UFC Vegas 116, held on Saturday. After a strategic battle that unfolded over two slow-paced rounds, Sterling dominated the fight, ultimately winning by unanimous decision with 49-45 on all three scorecards. Throughout the match, the American fighter displayed his well-rounded skill set, executing multiple submission attempts, including a notable rear-naked choke in the closing moments of the fourth round.
Boasting an impressive mixed martial arts record of 26 wins and five losses, with 18 victories in the UFC, Sterling is eager to contend for the UFC featherweight title currently held by Alexander Volkanovski. Following the fight, he made a bold declaration, signaling his intention to challenge for the championship. “Volkanovski, you know I’m coming,” Sterling asserted, reinforcing his status as a serious threat in the division.
Although Zalal, who now holds a record of 18-6-1 in MMA and 8-4-1 in the UFC, faced disappointment, he displayed admirable sportsmanship in defeat. “I’ve come back before, and I’ll come back again,” Zalal remarked, acknowledging Sterling’s skill and effort in the octagon. This loss marked the end of Zalal’s impressive eight-fight unbeaten streak, but Sterling believes that with more experience in five-round fights, the Moroccan athlete will soon be fighting for a championship title.
The co-main event featured another thrilling match, as UFC women’s bantamweight contender Joselyne Edwards from Panama earned a unanimous decision victory over Brazil’s Norma Dumont. Edwards swept the scorecards with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27, pushing her win streak to five and solidifying her position as a formidable competitor in the bantamweight division. Dumont, who fell short after an impressive six-fight winning streak, remains a respected athlete as she seeks to bounce back.
In the lightweight division, Rafa Garcia of Mexico halted Alexander Hernandez’s four-fight winning streak, capturing a unanimous decision victory by scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27. The fight showcased Garcia’s striking prowess as he effectively exchanged blows with Hernandez, who had not suffered defeat since April 2024.
In other matchups, bantamweight Davey Grant of England claimed a unanimous decision against UFC debutant Adrian Luna Martinetti, while Brazilian bantamweight Raoni Barcelos narrowly defeated Montel Jackson in a competitive split decision. The heavyweight clash saw Ryan Spann achieve a noteworthy knockout against Brazilian grappling specialist Marcus Buchecha, marking Spann’s continuation of a successful run as he seeks to establish himself in the heavyweight rankings.
The events at UFC Vegas 116 not only highlight the remarkable talent present in the organization but also reflect the growing global landscape of mixed martial arts, where athletes from diverse backgrounds thrive on the international stage.
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