Aljamain Sterling turned back time with a dominant performance against Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116, winning by unanimous decision (49-45) and snapping Zalal's eight-fight win streak. This bout marks a significant step for Sterling as he aims for a title shot in the featherweight division, emphasizing his aspiration for another championship run at 36 years old. Sterling showcased superior ground control throughout the fight, scoring consecutive dominant rounds and even showboating in the final minutes. Despite moments from Zalal, including a submission attempt, Sterling's victory highlighted his experience and skill. The former bantamweight champion now looks to solidify his position among the top contenders in the 145-pound class.

By the Numbers
  • Sterling won the fight with scores of 49-45 from all three judges.
  • Zalal's loss ended his eight-fight win streak.
State of Play
  • Sterling is now 3-1 in the featherweight division post-bantamweight title reign.
  • Movsar Evloev is lined up as the next challenger for UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
What's Next

Sterling aims to compete against top prospects like Movsar Evloev and seeks a title shot against current champion Alexander Volkanovski. As he rallies for a position in the title conversation, he must continue to deliver impressive performances to build his case. Potential matchups with other contenders in the featherweight division could determine his path forward.

Bottom Line

Aljamain Sterling鈥檚 dominant win at UFC Vegas 116 re-establishes him as a serious contender in the featherweight division. With aspirations for a title shot, he underscores the importance of his experience and resilience in the octagon. To secure an opportunity at the championship, he needs to leverage this win and continue his ascent through the ranks.