Youssef Zalal has stated his goal to become the first fighter to submit Aljamain Sterling in their main event bout at UFC Vegas 116 this weekend. The post is from a Telegram channel seeking audience reaction to whether Zalal can achieve this goal. No specific details about training camp, odds, or fight strategy are provided in the brief announcement. The matchup represents a significant challenge as Sterling has never been submitted in his professional career. The post appears to be promotional content ahead of the weekend event.
Youssef Zalal has set an ambitious personal target heading into UFC Vegas 116 this weekend, publicly stating his intention to become the first fighter to submit Aljamain Sterling when the two meet in the main event.
Zalal, nicknamed "The Moroccan Devil," enters the bout at 18-6-1 and sits ranked 12th in the featherweight division. The 29-year-old, who trains out of Factory X, is a switch-stance fighter standing five-foot-ten with a 72-inch reach. He averages 2.17 takedowns per 15 minutes and posts 1.4 submission attempts in the same span, making the ground game a clear part of his arsenal. His striking is also efficient, with a 50 percent accuracy rate and 3.03 significant strikes landed per minute.
Sterling, known as "Funk Master," presents a considerably steeper challenge on paper. The 36-year-old holds a 26-5-0 record and is ranked fourth in the featherweight division, fighting out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team. Standing five-foot-seven with a 71-inch reach, Sterling is the more active striker, averaging 4.45 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. He also averages 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes. Crucially, across his entire professional career, no opponent has ever submitted him.
Why it matters
- Zalal's stated goal of a submission finish would be a first in Sterling's 31-fight career, adding an extra layer of historical stakes.
- A win for Zalal could push the 12th-ranked featherweight significantly up the divisional ladder.
- Sterling, ranked fourth, is looking to reassert himself near the top of a stacked featherweight division.
- The contrasting size and style profiles — Zalal taller and more grappling-forward, Sterling a decorated wrestler and striker — set up a compelling tactical battle.
