Aljamain Sterling Wins by Unanimous Decision Against Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116

Apr 26, 2026, 18:40

Introduction

On April 25, 2026, the Ultimate Fighting Championship held the Vegas 116 event at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event featured a featherweight fight between former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and ranked contender Youssef Zalal.

Main Body

Aljamain Sterling won the main event by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 49-45. Sterling focused on a grappling strategy, using several takedowns and controlling his opponent's back, especially during the fourth and fifth rounds. Although Zalal dominated the third round and almost finished the fight with a guillotine choke, he could not secure a victory. After the match, Sterling stated that he intends to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title, while Zalal praised Sterling's performance. In the co-main event, Joselyne Edwards defeated Norma Dumont by unanimous decision, bringing her winning streak to five fights. Other main card results included victories for Rafa Garcia, Davey Grant, and Raoni Barcelos. The only knockout of the main card happened when Ryan Spann defeated Marcus Buchecha in the second round. On the preliminary card, several fighters won by decision, while Jackson McVey earned the only other finish of the night by submitting Sedriques Dumas in the first round. Analysts noted that the event had a high number of decisions, as 11 of the 13 fights were decided by the judges. While experts criticized the lack of finishes, they emphasized the strong performances of veterans Grant and Barcelos. Furthermore, while Sterling has improved his rank, observers pointed out that Movsar Evloev is still a top contender for the championship title.

Conclusion

Aljamain Sterling's win confirms his place among the top fighters in the featherweight division. Overall, the event was defined by a high number of decisions and very few fight stoppages.

Vocabulary Learning

challenge (v.)
synonym: confront / clear English definition: to invite someone to compete or to test one's abilities挑戰
Example:He plans to challenge the champion for the title.
decision (n.)
synonym: verdict / clear English definition: a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration判決
Example:The decision of the fight was announced after the final round.
grappling (n.)
synonym: wrestling / clear English definition: the art or practice of grappling, especially in martial arts擒拿術
Example:Grappling was a key part of the fighter's strategy.
knockout (n.)
synonym: KO / clear English definition: a decisive blow that renders an opponent unable to continue擊倒
Example:The fight ended with a knockout in the second round.
unanimous (adj.)
synonym: unanimous / clear English definition: all agreeing or in full agreement全體一致
Example:The judges gave an unanimous decision.

Sentence Learning

The event was defined by a high number of decisions and very few fight stoppages.
Passive Voice: The verb "was defined" is in passive form, indicating that the event was characterized by something rather than doing the defining action.被動語態: 動詞「was defined」以被動形式呈現，表示事件被高數決定所定義，而非主動執行該動作。
Although Zalal dominated the third round and almost finished the fight with a guillotine choke, he could not secure a victory.
Conjunction - Although: "Although" introduces a contrast, showing that despite Zalal's dominance, he still didn't win.連接詞 - Although: 「Although」引入對比，說明儘管 Zalal 主導了第三回合，他仍未能取勝。
While experts criticized the lack of finishes, they emphasized the strong performances of veterans Grant and Barcelos.
Conjunction - While: "While" indicates contrast between critics' comments and their subsequent emphasis.連接詞 - While: 「While」表示評論者對缺乏結束的批評與隨後對選手表現的強調之間的對比。
Furthermore, while Sterling has improved his rank, observers pointed out that Movsar Evloev is still a top contender for the championship title.
Complement Clause - That: The clause "that Movsar Evloev is still a top contender" functions as the object of "pointed out".補語子句 - that: 子句「that Movsar Evloev is still a top contender」作為動詞 "pointed out" 的賓語。