TLDR
- Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal headline UFC Vegas 116 in a featherweight matchup
- Sterling is the betting favorite according to sportsbooks like DraftKings
- Sterling is a former UFC bantamweight champion making his move to featherweight
- Zalal brings an aggressive striking style to challenge the former titleholder
- The fight takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas
Full Card Odds
Fight Time & How to Watch
| Time Zone | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | ~10:35 PM |
| Central (CT) | ~9:35 PM |
| Mountain (MT) | ~8:35 PM |
| Pacific (PT) | ~7:35 PM |
| UK (GMT+1) | ~3:35 AM (Sun) |
| Australia AEST | ~12:35 PM (Sun) |
Where to watch: Paramount+ Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
IT ALL GOES DOWN TOMORROW 💪#UFCVegas116 is READY!
[ APRIL 25 | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/ad1baRzZ3Y
— UFC (@ufc) April 25, 2026
Sources: DraftKings | Lineups | Sherdog
Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling will face Youssef Zalal in the main event of UFC Vegas 116. The featherweight bout has attracted betting interest as Sterling moves up a weight class.
Sportsbooks including DraftKings have released betting odds for the matchup. Sterling enters as the favorite based on his championship experience and grappling credentials.
Sterling’s Move to Featherweight
Sterling held the UFC bantamweight title from 2021 to 2023 before losing it to Sean O’Malley. The 35-year-old from New York has decided to compete at 145 pounds going forward.
His wrestling-heavy style helped him win the bantamweight championship. Sterling recorded successful title defenses against Petr Yan and TJ Dillashaw during his reign.
The former champion brings a well-rounded skill set to the featherweight division. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and Division I wrestling background make him a threat on the ground.
Sterling has shown improved striking in recent fights. He combines his stand-up game with relentless takedown attempts to control opponents.
Zalal’s Challenge
Youssef Zalal presents a different type of challenge for Sterling. The 28-year-old Moroccan fighter is known for his volume striking and cardio.
Zalal has competed in the UFC since 2020. He has built a reputation as a tough out in the featherweight division with his aggressive approach.
The Morocco native trains out of Colorado and fights at a high pace. His striking output and willingness to engage make him an exciting fighter to watch.
Zalal will look to keep the fight standing against Sterling. His game plan likely involves using distance management and striking volume to avoid takedowns.
Betting trends show interest from both casual and professional bettors. The matchup features contrasting styles that could lead to an entertaining fight.
DraftKings and other major sportsbooks offer various betting markets for the fight. Options include moneyline bets, method of victory, and round betting.
The fight will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. UFC Fight Night events at the Apex typically feature fighters looking to climb the rankings.
Sterling’s experience at the championship level gives him an edge in the odds. However, Zalal’s style and home-octagon advantage at 145 pounds make this an intriguing matchup.
Both fighters have accepted the bout as a chance to prove themselves. Sterling wants to establish himself as a featherweight contender while Zalal seeks the biggest win of his career.
The UFC Vegas 116 card will stream on ESPN+. Fight fans can access the event through the streaming platform’s subscription service.
