Sterling Tops Zalal by Unanimous Decision at UFC Vegas 116

Aljamain Sterling dominated Youssef Zalal over five rounds to claim a unanimous decision victory in the main event of UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday at the Apex in Las Vegas.

All three judges scored the featherweight bout 49-45 for Sterling, who controlled the fight with superior wrestling and grappling. The former bantamweight champion completed six of 11 takedown attempts, repeatedly securing Zalal's back and landing ground strikes while threatening submissions, including a rear-naked choke in the fourth round. Zalal, riding an eight-fight winning streak that included victories over Calvin Kattar and Josh Emmett, showed resilience in avoiding a finish but struggled with Sterling's pressure in his first 25-minute fight. Sterling snapped the streak and improved to 3-1 at 145 pounds.

In his post-fight interview, Sterling revived his viral "No Diddy" catchphrase while calling out featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and top contender Movsar Evloev. "Movsar, I'm coming for that arse next, and Volkanovski, you know I'm coming for that arse next! No pause. No Diddy!" he said. Sterling, now ranked No. 5 in the division, positioned himself for a title opportunity despite Evloev's...