Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling moved up to the featherweight division in 2024 to try and make a run at a second UFC divisional title. He took a step closer to his goal on Saturday defeating Youssef Zalal in the UFC Vegas 116 main event.
Sterling largely dominated Zalal. Since moving up a weight class, “Funk Master” has gone 3-1 with his one loss coming to top contender Movsar Evloev via decision. In his post-fight Octagon Interview, Sterling called for a title shot and stated his case.
“Movsar, I’m coming for that a** next. [Alexander] Volkanovski, you know I’m coming for that a**,” Sterling said.
“I bring something different to this table, man. None of these guys can do it the way that I do it. I mix it up well. I’m a hard guy to stop for takedown. I’ve got veteran experience. I know when to push, take my foot off the gas and put it in their a**.
“Give me my shot now. I’ve worked so hard for this. I’ve been in this company 12 years. That was my 23rd UFC fight. I’ve only fought three unranked guys since I got signed to this company. My third fight in the UFC was a guy ranked sixth in the world and I haven’t looked back since. So, put some motherf**king respect on my name when I say I’m next in line for that motherf**king title shot.”