
Martinook lifts Canes in 2OT after goal overturn
Martinook lifts Hurricanes in double overtime against Senators

Aljamain Sterling aims to secure a title shot at UFC Fight Night 274 by defeating Youssef Zalal. A strong performance could position him for a matchup against champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Aljamain Sterling sees the opportunity to shift momentum for the next title shot in his direction at UFC Fight Night 274 with a statement performance.
Former bantamweight titleholder Sterling (25-5 MMA, 17-5 UFC) has one major career ambition left, and that's to capture the featherweight belt and join the exclusive club of names to raise UFC gold in multiple weight classes.
He gets a big spotlight Saturday when he takes on streaking fellow contender Youssef Zalal (18-5-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC) in the headlining act at Meta APEX in Las Vegas (Paramount+), and with champion Alexander Volkanovski's next defense yet to be announced, there is still a chance to make an impression on the UFC brass.
"Glass half-full, it gives me the opportunity to potentially slide in there," Sterling told MMA Junkie on Monday. "A lot of people thought I won that fight with Movsar (Evloev at UFC 310). I still think I won that fight with him, and I should have had that man's '0.' With that said, if I go out there and beat a young buck that's surging hot right now – his story is amazing, and he's a great dude – if I go out there and do what I'm supposed to do and do it in impressive fashion, I think there's an argument to grant me the title shot against Volkanovski. Another legend.
"I go out there and get it done, I don't see why you wouldn't want to make that matchup. ... I want to earn my keep. I want to earn my shot. I'm not asking for a handout. I'm just stating the facts on things I have done in this sport and accomplished, and saying like, 'Yo, don't forget about me, man. I'm still here.' With a big win this weekend, I think that pushed my case even further and strengthens it."
Sterling, 36, who hasn't competed since a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega in August, knows it will be a significant task to put the stamp on Zalal, 29, who has never been beaten inside the distance.
Zalal is 5-0 since returning to the octagon for a second stint in February 2024, and is riding high off the momentum of a 98-second submission win over Josh Emmett. Sterling plans to apply a grappling pressure unlike Zalal has ever seen before, though, with the expectation that it will net him the finish.
"I'm going to straight Gamrot-style this," Sterling said. "I hope he's ready to grapple for 25 minutes or less. I'm predicting a third-round finish, and I think I can get out of there with a rear-naked choke. Get on his back and do what I do best. I've got my work cut out for me. I know a puzzle and what test I have in front of me. He's one of the smarter fighters in this division.
Aljamain Sterling's goal is to earn a title shot in the featherweight division by defeating Youssef Zalal.
Aljamain Sterling is fighting fellow contender Youssef Zalal in the main event.
Sterling needs to deliver an impressive performance against Zalal to strengthen his case for a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski.

Martinook lifts Hurricanes in double overtime against Senators

Welshman Jak Jones targets victory at the World Snooker Championship after past disappointments.
CJ McCollum shines with 32 points, leading Hawks to victory over Knicks in the playoffs.

Donovan Mitchell y James Harden brillan con 58 puntos en triunfo de Cavaliers sobre Raptors
Red Wings Report Card: Who Stays, Who Goes, and Future Moves
Manchester City faces injury concern with Rodri after beating Arsenal 2-1.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
"I believe I'm going to be the first one to finish Youssef and tap his ass out. I'm ready, man. The backpack is coming, and there's going to be nowhere to run in there with a guy like me."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Aljamain Sterling plans to make case for title shot at UFC Vegas 116