The spotlight of tonight’s UFC Vegas 116 occasion was a high-stakes featherweight matchup between Aljamain Sterling and Yousef Zalal.
Sterling (26-5 blended martial arts), the promotion’s former bantamweight champion, is returning to motion for the primary time since scoring a unanimous resolution victory over Brian Ortega in Shanghai, China, in August of this 12 months. Previous to that win, “The Funk Grasp” suffered a choice loss to fellow 145-pound opponent Movsar Evloev at UFC 310.
In the meantime, Yousef Zalal (18-6-1 MMA) final competed this previous October, scoring a first-round submission victory over Josh Emmett (watch it right here). The “Moroccan Devils” have gained eight video games in a row, and 7 of these eight wins got here within the stoppage earlier than tonight’s sport.
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 116 essential occasion was a statement-making efficiency for Aljamain Sterling. The previous bantamweight champion was capable of outmaneuver Youssef Zalal for almost all of the 25-minute bout, together with a dominant fourth spherical. Though Zalal had some moments, together with a stable third spherical, “The Funk Grasp” was capable of battle by means of all of the adversity he confronted and cemented himself as a prime contender within the featherweight division.
UFC Vegas 116 Official Outcomes: Aljamain Sterling def. Yousef Zalal unanimous resolution (49-45 x3)
Try the professionals’ reactions to “Sterling vs. Zalal” under.
Rattling, that pal Zalal bought a dome lol
— Terrence McKinney (@twrecks155) April 26, 2026
10-9 Arjo and R1
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) April 26, 2026
20-18 Arjo after 2 rounds
Strong efficiency to this point
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) April 26, 2026
2-0 Arjo However the man needed to keep centered or his knees have been shut.
— Terrence McKinney (@twrecks155) April 26, 2026
Rattling Zalal actually made Arjo panic for a second.
— Kaposa (@Recorder_Hitman) April 26, 2026
Zalal takes the third spherical, however with 3 by means of, it is 29-28 Sterling. Let’s have a look at if Zalal could make a full comeback. #UFCVegas116
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) April 26, 2026
Sport 4 seems like will probably be fascinating too.
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 26, 2026
Arjo’s physique triangle may be very tough to interrupt out of.
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 26, 2026
It is Arjo’s fourth spherical.
— Kaposa (@Recorder_Hitman) April 26, 2026
You’ll now be capable of higher perceive the combating exchanges within the Mohsar vs. Arjo battle.
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 26, 2026
Publish-fight response to Aljamain Sterling defeating Yousef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116:
The IQ of Arjo’s battle was wonderful👏👏👏 Zalal did not hand over although
— Terrence McKinney (@twrecks155) April 26, 2026
Aljamain Sterling wins unanimous resolution over Zalal (49-45 x 3)
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) April 26, 2026
Nice efficiency from Arjo. Throws 4-1, 10-8 if essential. It was a transparent victory for Sterling.
— Kaposa (@Recorder_Hitman) April 26, 2026
Sterling threw a complete of 220 strikes within the win, however official statistics present solely 45 of them have been important.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) April 26, 2026
Who want to see Sterling’s subsequent battle following his resolution win over Zalal in Nevada tonight? Share your ideas within the feedback part. PENN Nation!
