Aljamain ‘Funk Master’ Sterling has signalled his intent to challenge for the featherweight title after he defeated Youssef Zalal via unanimous decision in the main event of a UFC Fight Night held at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on the morning of Sunday, 26 April.
Sterling, a former champion at bantamweight, racked up a second successive win to move to 26-5 in his career, showcasing his experience and nous against an opponent who was main-eventing for the first time.
Sterling leaned on superior grappling in the first two rounds to get out in front on the score cards, though Zalal did well to rally and take the third frame.
However, Sterling came out aggressively in the fourth and fifth, taking the fight to his opponent and controlling proceedings – making him more than worthy of the emphatic trio of 49-45 cards in his favour.
“Give me my shot man, I’ve worked so hard,” said Sterling post-fight. “I’ve been in this company for 12 years. That was my 23rd UFC fight. I’ve only fought three unranked guys since I got signed to this company.
"My third fight in the UFC was a guy ranked sixth in the world and I haven’t looked back since, so put some motherf***ing respect on my name when I say I’m next in line for that motherf***ing title shot.”
The rest of the main card also saw decision victories, with Joselyne Edwards overcoming Norma Dumont in the women’s bantamweight co-main event; Rafa Garcia got the better of Alexander Hernandez in the lightweight division; Davey Grant defeated fellow bantamweight Adrian Luna Martinetti; and the bantamweight opener saw Raoni Barcelos overcome Montel Jackson via split decision.
The UFC continues next weekend with a Fight Night at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, headlined by a welterweight bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates.
UFC Fight Night: Sterling v Zalal – main card results
Main event: Featherweight: Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal via unanimous decision
Women’s bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards def. Norma Dumont via unanimous decision
Lightweight: Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez via unanimous decision
Bantamweight: Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti via unanimous decision
Bantamweight: Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson via split decision