UFC Vegas 116 results & highlights: Aljamain Sterling wins, dominates Youssef Zalal over five rounds

Former bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, uses grappling dominance to outpoint rising contender in Las Vegas

Aljamain Sterling delivered a composed and dominant performance to defeat Youssef Zalal in a five-round featherweight main event

Updated on:

26 Apr 2026, 5:47 am

2 min read

Aljamain Sterling put on a calm and commanding display of skills in beating Youssef Zalal in the main event featherweight contest at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Ranked number five going into the bout, Aljamain made use of his ground fighting abilities and positioning to nullify the capabilities of the number seven-ranked Youssef, who had won eight consecutive bouts before entering the match.

Aljamain Sterling’s grappling edge proves decisive over five rounds

The action started slowly with both boxers feeling their way out at long range by throwing kicks. Aljamain Sterling took the initiative with an effective counter right hand, but was soon able to switch to a more dominant grappling style. As the round progressed halfway, he managed to get on top of Youssef Zalal following the latter’s slip. Youssef attempted a submission hold but couldn’t do much harm.

Aljamain Sterling upped his volume in the second stanza. He used a combination of leg kicks along with moving forward to get the takedown. He then moved to mount position from which he delivered consistent strikes from the ground. Youssef was tough but could not break free.

But the tide turned in the third. After another takedown by Aljamain, Youssef attempted the guillotine choke, which resulted in both men scrambling for control. Youssef managed to reverse Aljamain and secure the dominant position from behind. From there, he executed a body triangle to lock down the round.

EASY MONEY! Essa tava fácil de prever!

Aljamain Sterling pode não ser o mais empolgante, mas é BÃO PRA CARAMBA no que se propõe a fazer! Um dos melhores!

Acho que não será campeão, mas ainda vai parar muito prospecto peso-pena!#UFCVegas116 pic.twitter.com/hn5Tffs1GU
— Diego Lucio (@diego_lucio) April 26, 2026

Lungi Ngidi, Delhi Capitals pacer, stable after a nasty head injury on field, to be discharged soon from the hospital

Aljamain regained control in the fourth round. He moved forward, executed another takedown and ended up controlling Youssef from behind. Aljamain Sterling then delivered some powerful punches without giving the opponent much room. It was a late effort by Youssef Zalal to stand up again, but Sterling had done enough.

When the time for the last round started, Youssef stepped into the ring with intentions to impress. He connected with a right hand, but Aljamain Sterling again opted to wrestle. In the second minute of the round, he managed to get a takedown on Zalal and control his back.

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Aljamain Sterling vs Youssef Zalal