Aljamain Sterling defeated Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45) in the UFC Vegas 116 headliner. The comprehensive results included Jocelyn Edwards beating Norma Dumont, Rafa Garcia defeating Alexander Hernandez, and Davey Grant edging Adrian Luna Martinetti, all by decision. Ryan Spann secured a second-round knockout over Marcus Buchecha at 2:10. Jackson McVay submitted Cedrickes Dumas with a D'arce choke in the first round. The card featured predominantly decision victories across thirteen total bouts, with varied competitive outcomes throughout the prelims and main card.
Aljamain Sterling headlined UFC Vegas 116 on April 26, earning a dominant unanimous decision victory over Youssef Zalal, with all three judges scoring the contest 49-45 in Sterling's favor.
Sterling's commanding performance anchored a thirteen-bout card that leaned heavily on decision outcomes across both the prelims and main card.
Among the supporting results, Ryan Spann delivered the night's most decisive finish, stopping Marcus Buchecha by knockout at the 2:10 mark of the second round. Jackson McVay also earned a stoppage, submitting Cedrickes Dumas with a D'arce choke in the first round. Jocelyn Edwards defeated Norma Dumont by decision, and Rafa Garcia outlasted Alexander Hernandez over the course of their fight.
Hernandez, a 33-year-old American lightweight out of Factory X, carried an 18-9 record into the bout. The fighter known as "The Great Ape" produces 4.31 significant strikes per minute with a 72-inch reach, though his 40 percent striking accuracy left him vulnerable against Garcia's output.
Davey Grant also picked up a decision win, edging Adrian Luna Martinetti in what proved a close contest. The 40-year-old Englishman from Syndicate MMA improved to 18-8 on the strength of a typically active striking game — he averages 5.14 significant strikes per minute, among the higher marks in the bantamweight division.
Why it matters
- Sterling's lopsided 49-45 sweep signals a strong return and will likely strengthen his position in the featherweight or bantamweight rankings picture.
- Spann's second-round knockout keeps him relevant in a competitive light heavyweight division where finishes carry weight.
- Grant's win at 40 years old underlines his durability and continued viability as a ranked bantamweight contender.
- Garcia's decision over Hernandez adds another win in a lightweight division where consistent performers are pushing for ranking movement.
