Aljamain Sterling defeats Youssef Zalal by dominant unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Apr 26
Aljamain Sterling defeats Youssef Zalal by dominant unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night
11 articles · Updated · ESPN · Apr 26
Sterling landed six takedowns and controlled Zalal for nearly 14 minutes in Las Vegas, outstriking him 220-61 as all judges scored the bout 49-45.
Sterling, ranked No. 5 at featherweight, called out Movsar Evloev and champion Alexander Volkanovski after his third win in four fights since moving divisions.
Zalal, previously on an eight-fight win streak, showed resilience in his first five-round fight, while Sterling eyes a title shot in a second weight class at age 36.
Did Zalal's failed guillotine reveal a flaw that top featherweights could exploit against Sterling?
With Movsar Evloev next in line, what is Sterling's most realistic path to a title shot?
Will the UFC favor Sterling's star power over Evloev's undefeated record for the next title bout?
Can a 36-year-old Sterling maintain his relentless pace against the division's younger elite?
What must Youssef Zalal change to compete at the division's championship level after this loss?