UFC Vegas 116 will feature a pivotal featherweight showdown between a grizzled veteran and a surging young contender, as previous bantamweight gold standard Aljamain Sterling tests himself against top-rated finisher Youssef Zalal.

UFC Vegas 116 will feature a pivotal featherweight showdown between a grizzled veteran and a surging young contender, as previous bantamweight gold standard Ajlamain Sterling tests himself against top-rated finisher Youssef Zalal. Before that, extraordinary women’s bantamweights take command of the cage, with Norma Dumont going head-to-head with Joselyne Edwards.    

UFC Vegas 116 Main Event

At UFC 300, Sterling officially began a new chapter of his UFC career by moving up to featherweight, trouncing the durable Calvin Kattar with a vintage performance. In the almost two years since then, “Funkmaster” has gone 1-1 in his last two bouts, coming off of a superb victory over former title-challenger Brian Ortega. 

Going 0-3-1 in his last four bouts during his first run in the UFC, Zalal seemingly reinvented himself on the regional circuit. Making his way back to the company in 2024, “The Moroccan Devil” has rattled five triumphs in a row, including a career-defining stoppage over Josh Emmett.   

UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event 

Although her time in the bantamweight division has been relatively short, Dumont has swiftly brought herself nearly to the forefront of the upper echelon. Owner of a substantial six-fight win streak, “The Immortal” can make a strong case for a championship shot if she can defeat Edwards in amazing fashion.   

Stopping her last four consecutive opponents, Edwards has looked every bit the top contender as she has proven to be. Making a quick turn-around following her appearance at UFC Houston two months ago, “El Pantera” is seeking to extend her time in the winner’s circle even further.  

More Bouts On the UFC Vegas 116 Main Card 

Rounding out the main card, Rafa García battles Alexander Hernandez in a possible Fight of the Night contest. Also, the decorated Davey Grant tussels with Contender Series standout Adrián Luna Martinetti. Then, Montel Jackson takes on the resurging Raoni Barcelos. Finally, the heavyweights will rock the cage when Marcus Buchecha meets Ryan Spann.    

UFC Vegas 116 Predictions and Staff Picks

MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).

UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.

PFL picks from main cards for both pay-per-views and regular events.

ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.

Staff picks in 2025 were won by Hank Strandberg with a record of 216-119.

 

Find our UFC Vegas 116 picks and fight odds below.

Staff records after UFC Winnipeg: 

1. Hank Strandberg: 49-28

2. Frazer Krohn: 46-32

3. Drew Zuhosky: 36-40

4. Andrew Benjamin: 11-10

*Note – not all staff pick for every event*

 

         Marcus Buchecha -140
     Vs.
        Ryan Spann +120
     HEAVYWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Buchecha by First Round Knockout         

Drew Zuhosky: Spann by Unanimous Decision 

Frazer Krohn: Spann by Second Round Knockout          

Andrew Benjamin: McMillen by Unanimous Decision

 

Staff picking Buchecha: 1

Staff picking Spann: 2

Montel Jackson -190
Vs.
Raoni Barcelos +165
             BANTAMWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Barcelos by Unanimous Decision                                                   

Drew Zuhosky: Jackson by First Round Knockout         

Frazer Kron: Jackson by Unanimous Decision   

Andrew Benjamin: Ewing by Unanimous Decision       

 

Staff picking Jackson: 2

Staff picking Barcelos: 1

Davey Grant -135
Vs.
Adrián Luna Martinetti +115
  BANTAMWEIGHT 

Hank Strandberg: Grant by Unanimous Decision                                                               

Drew Zuhosky: Grant by Unanimous Decision       

Frazer Kron: Grant by Third Round Submission                                                     

Andrew Benjamin: Yakhyaev by First Round Knockout 

 

Staff picking Grant: 3

Staff picking Martinetti: 0

Alexander Hernandez -115
     Vs.
Rafa Garcia -105
            LIGHTWEIGHT

 

Hank Strandberg: Hernandez by Unanimous Decision          

Drew Zuhosky: Garcia by Unanimous Decision     

Frazer Krohn: Garcia by Unanimous Decision       

Andrew Benjamin: Jandiroba by Split Decision   

 

Staff picking Hernandez: 1

Staff picking Garcia: 2           

Norma Dumont -210 
Vs.
Joselyne Edwards +180
          WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Dumont by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Edwards by Unanimous Decision       

Frazer Krohn: Dumont by Unanimous Decision          

Andrew Benjamin: Moicano by Unanimous Decision    

 

Staff picking Dumont: 2

Staff picking Edwards: 1

Youssef Zalaal -125
Vs.
Aljamain Sterling +105
                FEATHERWEIGHT

 

Hank Strandberg: Zalaal by Second Round Submission   

Drew Zuhosky: Zalal by Unanimous Decision                                                      

Frazer Kron: Sterling by Unanimous Decision      

Andrew Benjamin: Adesanya by Second Round Knockout 

 

Staff picking Zalal: 2

Staff picking Sterling: 1