Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling returns to action this Saturday, as he takes on the surging contender Youssef Zalal in a featherweight fight at UFC Vegas 116 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
With his five-fight win streak inside the octagon, Zalal heads into the clash as the betting favorite with -125 UFC odds, while Sterling is going to be the betting underdog with +105 odds.
UFC Vegas 116: Sterling vs. Zalal Fight Odds
- Aljamin Sterling: +105
- Youssef Zalal: -125
UFC Vegas 116: Sterling vs. Zalal: Tale of the Tape
| Aljamain Sterling | Youssef Zalal | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 36 | 29 |
| Height | 5’7” | 5’10” |
| Reach | 71 inches | 72 inches |
| Leg Reach | 39 inches | 39 inches |
| Record | 25-5 | 18-5-1 |
| Fighting Style | Kickboxer | Freestyle |
| Finishing Rate | 44% | 78% |
UFC Vegas 116: Sterling vs. Zalal: Prediction
I predict a TKO/KO victory for Zalal over Sterling because he’s so much faster than Sterling and has more pop in his punches. Although Sterling has the better wrestling, Zalal’s takedown defense and ground game should be enough to neutralize Sterling’s grappling attacks.
Sterling’s chin is always exposed in striking exchanges. I believe Zalal will be able to capitalize by landing a stiff jab or throwing a one-two straight punch down the pipe, much like Sean O’Malley did when he defeated Sterling.
Another factor is the power of Zalal has, as he fires more powerful punches and kicks, which gets the attention of his opponents. Even if Sterling gets a few takedowns on Zalal, his submission skills will also be a threat throughout the grappling battles.
Aljamain Sterling’s Recent Fight Results
Sterling was the former UFC bantamweight champion before he moved up to the featherweight division. Since his move to the 145-pound weight class, he has recorded wins against Calvin Kattar and Brian Ortega and a loss to Movsar Evloev.
Youssef Zalal’s Recent Fight Results
Zalal has been on a tear since his return to the UFC in 2024. He swept his last five fights in the promotion with victories over Billy Quarantillo, Jarno Errens, Jack Shore, Kattar, and most recently, Josh Emmett.
UFC Vegas 116: Sterling vs. Zalal Fight Card
- Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal, featherweight fight
- Norma Dumont vs. Joselyne Edwards, women’s bantamweight fight
- Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez, lightweight fight
- Davey Grant vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti, bantamweight fight
- Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos, bantamweight fight
- Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann, heavyweight fight
- Rodolfo Vieira vs. Eric McConico, middleweight fight
- Jackson McVey vs. Sedriques Dumas, middleweight fight
- Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Michelle Montague, women’s bantamweight fight
- Jafel Filho vs. Cody Duren, catchweight fight
- Francis Marshall vs. Lucas Brennan, lightweight fight
- Max Griffin vs. Victor Valenzuela, welterweight fight
- Talita Alencar vs. Julia Polastri, women’s strawweight fight
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