Aljamain Sterling calls for featherweight title shot after UFC 116 win | Mixed Martial Arts News
Published On 26 Apr 202626 Apr 2026 After nearly two full slow-paced rounds, former Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling recorded a decision win over Youssef Zalal in the UFC Vegas 116 main event. Sterling found an opening with less than a minute left in the second round and secured a 49-45, 49-45, 49-45 unanimous decision across 25 minutes in the fight on Saturday. He had several submission attempts, including a fourth-round rear-naked choke opportunity in the closing minutes. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list The American fighter, who has a 26-5 mixed martial arts (MMA) and 18-5 UFC record, was comfortable in all areas against his former training partner, but his objective for the rest of his career is simple: the UFC featherweight title currently held by Alexander Volkanovski. “Volkanovski, you know I’m coming,” Sterling said after his win, calling for a title shot. Zalal, with an 18-6-1 MMA and 8-4-1 UFC record, was classy in defeat. “I’ve come back before, and I’ll come back again,” Zalal said, crediting Sterling’s efforts. …




