Youssef Zalal releases statement on loss in UFC Vegas 116 headliner

Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling defeated Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision in the UFC Vegas 116 main event on Saturday, ending Zalal's eight-fight winning streak. At the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Sterling controlled extended stretches with aggressive striking and dominant grappling. The UFC Vegas 116 result drew respectful reactions as Youssef Zalal posted on Instagram, "Alhamdulillah!! Thank you guys for all the support… I'll be back. Keep smiling." Aljamain Sterling replied, "Always love my brotha… Wallahi you will be champion one day!" After a 3-3-1 opening stint, Zalal had reestablished himself at featherweight with five consecutive UFC wins, including victories over Calvin Kattar and Josh Emmett.