Sterling says he nearly lost to Zalal guillotine, refused to tap

Aljamain Sterling has revealed he was close to being finished by Youssef Zalal's guillotine choke in their recent bout. Sterling admitted he felt himself on the verge of losing consciousness during the submission attempt. Despite the danger, he refused to tap out, stating he simply could not allow Zalal the satisfaction of making him submit. Sterling described thinking he was about to pass out but remained determined not to give in. The former bantamweight champion's toughness allowed him to survive the tight submission and continue fighting.