Las Vegas, Nevada – The UFC returns to Sin City with a compelling featherweight main event as Aljamain Sterling squares off against Youssef Zalal in a pivotal clash at the UFC APEX. With both men firmly planted in the top 10 rankings, the bout carries major implications for the division’s title picture.
UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal takes place Saturday, April 25 in Las Vegas. Prelims are set to begin at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, streaming live on Paramount+.
Main Event: Sterling vs. Zalal
Former UFC bantamweight champion Sterling (25-5), now ranked No. 5 at featherweight, makes his 2026 debut looking to assert himself as a two-division title threat. Fighting out of Uniondale, New York, Sterling has built a legacy with victories over elite competition, including Henry Cejudo, T.J. Dillashaw, and Brian Ortega. A win here could move him one step closer to championship gold in a second weight class.
Standing in his way is Morocco’s rising contender Zalal (18-5-1), currently ranked No. 7. Fighting out of Englewood, Colorado, Zalal has surged into contention with impressive wins over Josh Emmett, Calvin Kattar, and Jack Shore. With momentum on his side, Zalal aims to secure the biggest victory of his career and break into the division’s elite tier.
Co-Main Event: Dumont vs. Edwards
The co-main event features a high-stakes bantamweight bout between No. 3 ranked Norma Dumont and No. 11 Joselyne Edwards.
Dumont (13-2), fighting out of Brazil, continues her climb toward title contention. Known for her well-rounded skill set, she holds notable victories over Germaine de Randamie, Irene Aldana, and Ketlen Vieira. A dominant performance could solidify her position as a top contender.
Meanwhile, Edwards (17-6) enters the bout riding a four-fight win streak, seeking her fifth consecutive victory. The Panama native has showcased finishing ability throughout her UFC run, with wins over Nora Cornolle, Priscila Cachoeira, and Chelsea Chandler. A victory over Dumont would catapult her into the top five.
Additional Card Highlights
The card also features a mix of rising prospects and seasoned veterans:
- Talita Alencar vs. Julia Polastri in an all-Brazilian strawweight showdown
- Rodolfo Vieira takes on Eric McConico in a middleweight bout
- Jafel Filho meets Lucas Rocha at flyweight
- No. 14 Montel Jackson faces Raoni Barcelos in a bantamweight clash
- Mayra Bueno Silva battles Michelle Montague in a key women’s bantamweight matchup
- Allen Frye Jr. vs. Max Gimenis at heavyweight
- Davey Grant squares off with Adrian Luna Martinetti at bantamweight
- Jackson McVey meets Sedriques Dumas in a middleweight contest
Ticket Information & VIP Experience
Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com, with presale opportunities available for UFC Fight Club members and newsletter subscribers earlier in the week.
Fans can also elevate their experience through VIP packages offered by On Location, which include premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities.
With a former champion chasing history and a surging contender looking to make his mark, UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal promises a night of high-stakes action inside the APEX.
