Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, NV – Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling delivered a commanding performance at UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday night, decisively defeating Youssef Zalal in the main event. The victory marks Sterling’s continued ascent in the featherweight division, positioning the 36-year-old veteran as a significant contender for the divisional title currently held by Alexander Volkanovski.
Sterling, known for his elite grappling and relentless pressure, showcased a masterclass in control and submission defense throughout the encounter with Zalal. From the opening bell, Sterling initiated a high-paced attack, utilizing his superior wrestling to secure multiple takedowns and maintain dominant positions. He consistently threatened with ground and pound, while also attempting several submission maneuvers, forcing Zalal into defensive postures for the majority of the fight. The judges’ scorecards reflected Sterling’s complete control, with all three officials scoring the bout unequivocally in his favor, underscoring the one-sided nature of the contest.
This latest win improves Sterling’s professional mixed martial arts record to an impressive 25-4, and his featherweight ledger to 3-1 since his divisional shift. His sole loss at 145 pounds came via a close split decision against rising contender Movsar Evloev, a bout that many observers deemed highly competitive and could have gone either way. Prior to his move, Sterling carved out a distinguished career in the bantamweight division, culminating in him capturing the undisputed UFC Bantamweight Championship.
Sterling’s journey to UFC gold in the bantamweight division was marked by a remarkable nine-fight winning streak that included victories over top contenders such as Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan. He famously won the title against Yan via disqualification at UFC 259 in March 2021, becoming the first UFC fighter to win a championship by disqualification. He then successfully defended the belt against Yan in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 273, securing a split decision victory. Further defenses included a dominant TKO victory over former champion T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 280 and a split decision win against Henry Cejudo at UFC 288. His reign concluded when he was stopped by Sean O’Malley via second-round TKO at UFC 292 in August 2023, prompting his decision to transition to the featherweight division.
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The move to featherweight was largely motivated by the challenging weight cut to 135 pounds, a factor Sterling had frequently discussed in interviews. His natural frame and strength are now better suited for the 145-pound division, a transition that appears to have reinvigorated his career and performance. His recent run at featherweight, characterized by strategic grappling and improved striking exchanges, demonstrates his adaptability and continued evolution as a martial artist.
Youssef Zalal, with a record now standing at 12-6-1, entered the fight looking to establish himself against a high-profile opponent. Known for his dynamic striking and athleticism, Zalal found himself unable to implement his game plan against Sterling’s suffocating pressure. The loss is a significant setback for the Moroccan-American fighter, who will need to recalibrate his approach and seek opportunities to rebound within the highly competitive featherweight landscape.
The immediate aftermath of Sterling’s dominant showing has intensified discussions regarding his position in the featherweight title picture. With his extensive championship pedigree and a compelling 3-1 record in the division, the question of whether he is next in line to challenge Alexander Volkanovski looms large.
Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, has established himself as one of the most dominant champions in the sport’s history. Holding a professional record of 26-4, Volkanovski has successfully defended his title multiple times against elite contenders, including a legendary trilogy against Max Holloway, and decisive victories over Brian Ortega, Yair Rodriguez, and Ilia Topuria. His last defense saw him reclaim the belt against Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024, after an earlier loss. Volkanovski’s blend of technical striking, powerful wrestling, and unparalleled fight IQ has made him a formidable force at 145 pounds.
The featherweight division is currently replete with top-tier talent vying for a shot at Volkanovski. Beyond Sterling, contenders such as Ilia Topuria (who recently defeated Volkanovski but lost a rematch), Movsar Evloev (who holds a victory over Sterling), Brian Ortega, and Max Holloway (who has moved up to lightweight but remains a significant figure) are all in the mix. Sterling’s argument for a title shot rests heavily on his status as a former champion and his recent dominant performance. While Evloev’s win over Sterling might complicate a direct path, the nature of Sterling’s victory over Zalal, coupled with his overall resume, presents a strong case.
MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee, in their post-fight analysis following UFC Vegas 116, extensively discussed Sterling’s performance and its implications for the featherweight division. They highlighted Sterling’s strategic brilliance in neutralizing Zalal’s strengths and emphasized how his experience as a former champion translates effectively into a new weight class. Their conversation centered on the potential stylistic matchup against Volkanovski, contrasting Sterling’s grappling-heavy approach with Volkanovski’s well-rounded game and defensive wrestling prowess. The analysts also weighed the political landscape of the division, considering whether other contenders might be prioritized based on recent activity or marketability.
Beyond the main event, UFC Vegas 116 featured several other notable performances. Joselyne Edwards secured a significant victory over Norma Dumont in a bantamweight clash, showcasing improved striking and defensive grappling to earn a unanimous decision. Edwards’ win positions her for further challenges in the competitive women’s bantamweight division, adding another layer of intrigue to the card. Other undercard bouts also delivered compelling action, contributing to a night of mixed martial arts that further shaped the landscape of various UFC weight classes.
As the UFC’s matchmakers deliberate on the next challenger for Alexander Volkanovski, Aljamain Sterling’s name will undoubtedly be at the forefront of discussions. His recent display of dominance against Youssef Zalal, combined with his proven championship mettle, makes a compelling case for a direct shot at the featherweight crown. The coming weeks are expected to clarify the immediate future of the featherweight division, with Sterling poised to play a central role in its unfolding narrative.
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