Aljamain Sterling might just be worth watching at featherweight.
The former UFC bantamweight champion showcased vintage form against rising star Youssef Zalal, defeating him by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45). The result snapped an impressive eight-fight win streak for Zalal, who was threatening to enter the next tier of challengers in the division.
The performance revolved around a gradual but eventually overwhelming advantage on the ground for Sterling, who got into in his favorite backpack position several times and racked up strikes from there. The first big break came in the second round, and Sterling maintained momentum from there.
Zalal did manage to turn the tables a bit in the third round, but went for a submission instead of damage. It might have been his best chance at winning, but it left him with nothing to show for it as they entered the championship rounds.
The fourth round was a complete 10-8 for Sterling, who had Zalal on the ground throughout, and he was showboating by the end of the fifth round.
Main card
Featherweight: Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision (49-45 × 3)
Women’s bantamweight: Joselyn Edwards def. Norma Dumont by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Lightweight: Rafa García def. Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Davey Grant def. Adrían Luna Martinetti by unanimous decision (29-28 × 3)
Bantamweight: Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Heavyweight: Ryan Spann def. Marcus Buchecha by KO (punches) at 2:10 of R2
Prelims
Middleweight: Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28 × 3)
Middleweight: Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas by submission (brabo choke) at 2:14 of R1
Women’s bantamweight: Michelle Montague def. Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight: Cody Durden def. Jafel Filho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Lightweight: Francis Marshall def. Lucas Brennan by unanimous decision (30-27 × 3)
Welterweight: Victor Valenzuela def. Max Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28 × 3)
Women’s strawweight: Talita Alencar def. Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28 × 3)