Introduction
UFC Fight Night 274: Sterling vs. Zalal took place on April 25, 2026 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada (UFC Vegas 116). The featherweight main event featured former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling against No. 9-ranked Youssef Zalal, who entered on an eight-fight winning streak. The card was originally headlined by Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley.
Sterling showcased his experience and savvy, controlling the fight with takedowns and back control to earn a clear unanimous decision and take another step toward a featherweight title shot. The card tied the UFC’s all-time record for most decisions on a single event — only two of 13 bouts ended by stoppage. Jackson McVey earned a first-round submission finish, and Davey Grant vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti was awarded FotN. Ryan Spann opened the main card with the night’s other finish.
Quick Stats
📍 Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, NV | Apr 25, 2026 | UFC Vegas 116
✅ Result: Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal via Unanimous Decision (Round 5, 5:00)
⭐ Notable: Sterling steps toward FW title shot | Zalal’s 8-fight streak snapped | TIED ALL-TIME RECORD: most decisions on single card (11 of 13 went to judges) | Only 2 finishes | McVey Sub Dumas R1 (PoN) | Grant vs. Martinetti FotN | Garcia vs. Hernandez | Jackson vs. Barcelos | Spann opens main card with finish | Dumont vs. Edwards co-main
Full Results
Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal — Decision (Unanimous) (Round 5) | Former BW champ steps toward FW title shot | Zalal’s 8-fight streak snapped
Joselyne Edwards def. Norma Dumont (co-main); Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez; Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos; Ryan Spann — main card finish opener; Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas — Sub R1 (PoN); Davey Grant vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti (FotN); Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira — UD
Legacy & Impact
Sterling’s methodical decision over Zalal proved the former bantamweight champion’s transition to featherweight is legitimate. His wrestling and back control were the difference-makers against a dangerous striker. The card will be remembered for tying the UFC’s all-time decision record — while the finishes were rare, the competitive nature of the bouts kept the technical quality high throughout.