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UFC Fight Night predictions: Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal fight card, odds and expert picks
TL;DR
Aljamain Sterling faces Youssef Zalal in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, is testing his limits in the featherweight division against Zalal, who aims to prove his return to the UFC.
Key points
- Aljamain Sterling is a former UFC bantamweight champion.
- Youssef Zalal was released from the UFC in 2022.
- The fight takes place on April 25, 2026, in Las Vegas.
- Sterling is 2-1 in the featherweight division.
- Zalal has shown significant improvement since his UFC release.
Aljamain SterlingYoussef ZalalUFC Fight Night
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Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal are fighting for bragging rights and relevancy. The elite featherweight grapplers headline UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Sterling (25-5) is still testing his limits in the featherweight division. The former UFC bantamweight champion is 2-1 since moving up, only losing to top contender Movsar Evloev. Sterling isn't surprised to see Zalal, who was released from the UFC in 2022, back in this spot. In fact, he knows exactly what it takes to exorcise "The Moroccan Devil."
"Youssef has turned a corner in his mind," Sterling told CBS Sports' Brian Campbell. "I always thought the skills were there. When he went on that tough run, I always knew he could come back to the UFC. Sure enough, he did that in a very big way. He's an athlete; he moves well, light on his toes. He's a sniper and doesn't like to use up too much energy. I'll have to chase him down."
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Zalal (18-5-1) is executing one of the best career turnarounds in recent memory. UFC cut him after a four-fight winless streak, which included a loss to reigning lightweight champ Ilia Topuria. Three regional stoppages earned him another chance, one he wouldn't squander. Activity and excellence has summed up Zalal's second stint in the UFC. He's ripped off five straight wins with four finishes, all of which he achieved in less than 20 months. Now, coming off a quick submission win over interim title challenger Josh Emmett, Zalal wants a former champion's scalp.
"I will be a world champion, mark my words," Zalal told Campbell. "I love that I'm just that guy that nobody knows, who is slowly coming for that reaction of people's faces after my fights. It's the best. It's like, 'Wow, Youssef, you are pretty good, and you are so close [to a title shot]. Wow.' I love that feeling, and it just motivates me to make them feel that way."
Q&A
What are the odds for the Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal fight?
The odds for the fight are currently being analyzed and will vary based on betting platforms leading up to the event.
When is the UFC Fight Night featuring Sterling vs. Zalal?
The UFC Fight Night featuring Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026.
What is Aljamain Sterling's record in the featherweight division?
Aljamain Sterling has a record of 2-1 since moving up to the featherweight division.
Why is Youssef Zalal significant in this fight?
Youssef Zalal is significant in this fight as he aims to reclaim his status in the UFC after being released in 2022 and has shown improvement in his skills.
