Aljamain Sterling to create 'an argument' for title at UFC Vegas 116

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.