UFC Fight Night Predictions: Sterling vs. Zalal Full Card Breakdown

The UFC octagon is back in action on April 25, 2026, for an electrifying Fight Night card headlined by former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and rising featherweight threat Youssef Zalal. With a mix of seasoned veterans, undefeated prospects, and pivotal divisional matchups, this event promises fireworks from the early prelims to the main event.

Here is our comprehensive statistical breakdown and predictions for the entire fight card.

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Youssef Zalal vs. Aljamain Sterling (Featherweight)

Sterling (25-5-0) continues his foray into the featherweight division against Zalal (19-6-1). The stats show a fascinating clash of styles. Zalal relies heavily on his submission game, boasting 11 tap-out victories and a solid 50.9% striking accuracy from a switch stance. Sterling, meanwhile, is a master of control, evidenced by his 13 decision wins and 8 submissions. Sterling's wrestling pedigree and championship experience give him the edge in dictating where this fight takes place. Expect "Funk Master" to out-grapple Zalal over 25 minutes.

• Prediction: Aljamain Sterling by Decision
• Confidence: High

Joselyne Edwards vs. Norma Dumont (Women's Bantamweight)

This bantamweight bout features a classic striker-versus-grappler dynamic. Edwards (19-6-0) has real power with 8 KO wins, but her 44.8% takedown accuracy pales in comparison to Dumont's stellar 63.2% takedown accuracy. Dumont (13-2-0) is an absolute grinder, with 10 of her 13 victories coming by way of decision. If Dumont can close the distance and avoid Edwards' right hand, she should be able to smother her opponent against the fence and on the mat.

• Prediction: Norma Dumont by Decision
• Confidence: High

Raoni Barcelos vs. Montel Jackson (Bantamweight)

A high-level clash at 135 pounds sees the veteran Barcelos (21-5-0) taking on the towering Jackson (17-3-0). Jackson possesses a massive 75-inch reach, giving him an 8-inch advantage over Barcelos (67 inches). Jackson's 9 KO wins show he knows how to use that leverage. Barcelos is dangerous everywhere with an impressive 50% finish rate (8 KOs, 3 Subs), but Jackson's southpaw jab and distance management should allow him to outpoint the Brazilian.

• Prediction: Montel Jackson by Decision
• Confidence: Medium

Eric McConico vs. Rodolfo Vieira (Middleweight)

BJJ legend Rodolfo Vieira (8-4-0) returns against Eric McConico (10-4-1). Vieira's stats tell you everything you need to know: a 100% finish rate, with 6 of his 8 wins coming by submission. McConico relies heavily on his striking (43.8% accuracy) and southpaw stance to keep opponents at bay. However, Vieira's relentless pursuit of the takedown will likely be too much. Once this hits the mat, it's Vieira's world.

• Prediction: Rodolfo Vieira by Submission
• Confidence: High

Michelle Montague vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (Women's Bantamweight)

Undefeated prospect Michelle Montague (7-0-0) faces her toughest test yet in former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva (11-7-0). Montague has been a submission machine early in her career (6 submissions in 7 wins) and lands takedowns at a 71.4% clip. Bueno Silva, however, is a dangerous veteran with incredible 59% striking accuracy and 6 submissions of her own. Montague's wrestling is elite, but Bueno Silva's experience and deadly guard might trap the young prospect.

• Prediction: Mayra Bueno Silva by Submission
• Confidence: Medium

Adrian Luna Martinetti vs. Davey Grant (Bantamweight)

The wily English veteran Davey Grant (17-8-0) welcomes the highly touted Adrian Luna Martinetti (17-1-0). Grant is a fan-favorite brawler with a 40% finish rate and 9 submission wins, but he absorbs a lot of damage. Martinetti has an incredibly balanced resume (4 KOs, 6 Subs, 7 Decisions) and the youth advantage. While Grant will undoubtedly make it a dogfight, Martinetti's well-rounded skill set should allow him to edge out a gritty victory.

• Prediction: Adrian Luna Martinetti by Decision
• Confidence: Low

Lucas Rocha vs. Jafel Filho (Flyweight)

An explosive all-Brazilian flyweight matchup. Rocha (14-2-0) brings the heat with 7 KO victories and an aggressive 75% takedown accuracy. Filho (17-4-0), conversely, is a lethal submission artist with 11 tap-outs on his record. Rocha's power is real, but Filho's scrambling ability and 53.8% takedown accuracy should allow him to expose Rocha's neck in a chaotic transition.

• Prediction: Jafel Filho by Submission
• Confidence: Medium

Sedriques Dumas vs. Jackson McVey (Middleweight)

Sedriques Dumas (3-4-0) looks to right the ship against Jackson McVey (6-2-0). McVey holds a notable advantage on the feet, sporting an impressive 68.2% striking accuracy compared to Dumas's 43.9%. With a 77-inch reach and a tricky southpaw stance, McVey's sharp striking should find a home early against Dumas, who has struggled to find consistency in the octagon.

• Prediction: Jackson McVey by KO/TKO
• Confidence: High

Julia Polastri vs. Talita Alencar (Women's Strawweight)

Julia Polastri (11-7-0) takes on the less experienced Talita Alencar (3-1-0). Polastri has a significant edge in octagon time and striking power, boasting 5 KO wins and a crisp 56% striking accuracy. Alencar's striking accuracy sits at just 37.7%, and while she possesses a submission threat, Polastri's elite 75% takedown accuracy means she will likely dictate where the fight takes place.

• Prediction: Julia Polastri by Decision
• Confidence: Medium

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Event Summary UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal looks to be a night defined by grappling supremacy and veteran savvy. With high-stakes matchups in the featherweight and bantamweight divisions, we expect fighters like Aljamain Sterling, Norma Dumont, and Rodolfo Vieira to lean heavily on their grappling pedigrees to secure pivotal victories. Make sure to tune in early, as the prelims are packed with guaranteed finishes!