Aljamain Sterling sent Youssef Zalal a text message before their UFC Vegas 116 main event fight was announced.
Sterling and Zalal are friends outside the Octagon, but knew a fight between the two was destined to happen, especially with both being legit title contenders. So, once the fight offer came in, Sterling revealed he sent Zalal a text message and wished him the best.
“I sent him a text message, I was like, ‘Yo, it’s all love, I know you got dreams you’re trying to accomplish and chase, as am I,” Sterling said at UFC Vegas 116 media day. “I know I already reached that pinnacle. But I’m not done yet. I’m not complacent, and I’m not content. I’m greedy, man. I want it all.”
Although Sterling and Zalal are friendly, both expect a tough fight. Neither plans to back down, as both know the winner will be in the featherweight title picture.
Aljamain Sterling previously trained with Youssef Zalal
Part of the reason why they are expecting a tough fight is due to the fact that they have trained with one another briefly. Yet, Sterling is confident he will get his hand raised and prove he’s still a title contender.
“It’s easy to get complacent. But when you’re training with these young guys in the gym every day, and they’re getting after you, it has to keep you on top of your game – it pushes you to want to do that,” Sterling said.
“Training with a guy like Youssef before in the past, it’s definitely given me that inside look of how he thinks and what motivates him to want to win this fight. I got my work cut out for me. But I think big brother is gonna prevail and show him it’s just not his time yet. It’s still ‘Funkmaster’ time.”
Aljamain Sterling enters UFC Vegas 116 as the betting underdog. He’s 25-5 as a pro and coming off a decision win over Brian Ortega after a decision loss to Movsar Evloev.
Do you think Aljamain Sterling will beat Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116? Sound off in the comment section, PENN Nation!
