Aljamain Sterling targets UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski after win over Youssef Zalal - 'You know I'm coming'
Updated 26/04/2026 at 11:53 GMT+1
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Aljamain Sterling set his sights on UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski after his unanimous decision victory over Youssef Zalal in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas.
Highlights: Sterling drops vintage performance to earn dominant win over Zalal
Video credit: TNT Sports
Sterling was successful with six of his 11 takedown attempts, repeatedly pinning Zalal to the canvas.
The latter could offer little in response, doing his best to avoid a submission and protect himself from flurries of punches.
After all three judges scored the bout 49-45 for Sterling, he made clear his aim to fight for the featherweight title, calling out both No. 2 Movsar Evloev and champion Volkanovski.
"Movsar, I'm coming for that a** next," Sterling said. "Volkanovski, you know I'm coming for that a**."
Sterling, now No. 5 in the featherweight division, had kind words for Zalal, despite the dominant victory.
"I was like, man, he's eating some monster shots," he said. "I'm looking at [referee] Herb [Dean], 'stop this fight or what, cuz?'.
"But I'm just happy to compete against a young prospect, a guy I really think could be fighting for the world title tomorrow. And I just beat him.
"Youssef is a tough dude. Hit me with a couple of jabs in the first round, and I was like, 'yeah, mother***** still as fast as I remember'. So I had to take my time.
"I'm 36 years old, so I'm trying to make one more title run. You feel me?"
Zalal went into the clash with Sterling on an eight-fight winning streak, but could only show his ability in moments against his more experienced opponent.
"Give it up to Aljo, man. He did a fantastic f***ing job," Zalal said. "I love this sport, and I'll be back.
"I gave it everything I got, but man, this is my first five rounds. So I'm going to take everything I can and come back."
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