Funkmaster Dominates Zalal, Calls Out Volk

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 25: (R-L) Aljamain Sterling punches Youssef Zalal of Morocco in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on April 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal squared off in a Featherweight bout earlier tonight (Sat., April 25, 2026) at UFC Vegas 116 inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a strong showing, Sterling picked up a decision victory.

Zalal landed first, sticking a couple jabs while making Sterling miss his own kicks. “Funkmaster” began to find his range with the right hand, however, feinting low and then coming over the top. Right about at the midway point of the first round, Sterling attempted his first takedown attempt of the fight and was stuffed despite a nice entry. A moment later, Sterling swept out Zalal’s base leg as “The Moroccan Devil” tried to throw a knee. He landed in top position, fighting off a triangle choke attempt to maintain control.

“Funkmaster” finished the first round on top.

Sterling’s early round two takedown attempt was stuffed, and Zalal followed up with a couple nice punches. Sterling fired back with body punches and low kicks. Zalal had to fight off a couple more takedown attempts, but his jab was starting to touch the chin with good consistency. He was able to pressure without getting floored … until a poorly timed spinning elbow gave Sterling the back! Zalal landed in a terrible position, eating punches and elbows.

The former Bantamweight champion was up 2-0 after ten minutes.

Sterling took a few shots on the way in to his round three takedown attempt, landing in a guillotine choke. It looked very tight, forcing Sterling to retreat to his back. Zalal worked from top position but struggled to pass Sterling’s guard and was forced to fight off a triangle attempt. Eventually, he moved to side control and took the back! He finished the round holding the body triangle, making for a nice rebound round from the younger contender.

Sterling sprinted hard to start round four! He ran Zalal to the fence, threw some punches and low kicks, then scored a takedown right into back control. Sterling went to work with his ground strikes, hammering away at the side of the head. He then attempted an arm-in rear naked choke, which looked tight but didn’t force the tap. Sterling moved into mount and really dominated positionally. Zalal was having an absolutely miserable time but did get back to his feet with 30 seconds remaining, only for Sterling to land some heavy blows before the bell.