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UFC Vegas 116: Aljamain Sterling handles Youssef Zalel with vintage form in step forward at featherweight
TL;DR
Aljamain Sterling defeated Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 116, showcasing his vintage form. This victory ended Zalal's eight-fight win streak and marked a significant step forward for Sterling in the featherweight division.
Key points
- Aljamain Sterling won by unanimous decision
- Fight score was 49-45 across all judges
- Victory ended Youssef Zalal's eight-fight win streak
- Sterling showcased vintage form
- Fight took place at UFC Apex
Aljamain SterlingYoussef ZalalUFC Vegas 116
Aljamain Sterling did his thing at the UFC Apex.
(Jeff Bottari via Getty Images)
Aljamain Sterling might just be worth watching at featherweight.
The former UFC bantamweight champion showcased vintage form against rising star Youssef Zalal, defeating him by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45). The result snapped an impressive eight-fight win streak for Zalal, who was threatening to enter the next tier of challengers in the division.
The performance revolved around a gradual but eventually overwhelming advantage on the ground for Sterling, who got into in his favorite backpack position several times and racked up strikes from there. The first big break came in the second round, and Sterling maintained momentum from there.
Zalal did manage to turn the tables a bit in the third round, but went for a submission instead of damage. It might have been his best chance at winning, but it left him with nothing to show for it as they entered the championship rounds.
The fourth round was a complete 10-8 for Sterling, who had Zalal on the ground throughout, and he was showboating by the end of the fifth round.
Main card
Featherweight: Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision (49-45 × 3)
Women’s bantamweight: Joselyn Edwards def. Norma Dumont by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Lightweight: Rafa García def. Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Davey Grant def. Adrían Luna Martinetti by unanimous decision (29-28 × 3)
Bantamweight: Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Heavyweight: Ryan Spann def. Marcus Buchecha by KO (punches) at 2:10 of R2
Prelims
Middleweight: Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28 × 3)
Middleweight: Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas by submission (brabo choke) at 2:14 of R1
Women’s bantamweight: Michelle Montague def. Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Q&A
What was the score of the fight between Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal?
The fight ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Aljamain Sterling, with all judges scoring it 49-45.
How did Aljamain Sterling perform against Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116?
Aljamain Sterling showcased vintage form, effectively controlling the fight and securing a decisive victory.
What does Aljamain Sterling's victory mean for his career in the featherweight division?
Sterling's win is a significant step forward in his featherweight career, potentially positioning him for higher-tier challenges.
