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MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 8 p.m. ET)
#5 Aljamain Sterling (146 lbs.) vs. #7 Youssef Zalal (145.5 lbs.)
#3 Norma Dumont (135.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Joselyne Edwards (135.5 lbs.)
Rafa Garcia (155 lbs.) vs. Alexander Hernandez (155.5 lbs.)
Davey Grant (135.5 lbs.) vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti (135.5 lbs.)
Raoni Barcelos (136 lbs.) vs. #14 Montel Jackson (135.5 lbs.)
Marcus Buchecha (252.5 lbs.) vs. Ryan Spann (264 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 5 p.m. ET)
Eric McConico (186 lbs.) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (185.5 lbs.)
Sedriques Dumas (184 lbs.) vs. Jackson McVey (185 lbs.)
Michelle Montague (135.5 lbs.) vs. #12 Mayra Bueno Silva (136 lbs.)
Cody Durden (135.5 lbs.) vs. Jafel Filho (135.5 lbs.)
Lucas Brennan (155 lbs.) vs. Francis Marshall (155.5 lbs.)
Max Griffin (170.5 lbs.) vs. Victor Valenzuela (170 lbs.)
Talita Alencar (116 lbs.) vs. Julia Polastri (115 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. We’re back in the warehouse this week but honestly this card is comparable on paper to last week, and that wound up being a perfectly acceptable kind of show. The main event tonight is a good one, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is trying to move closer to a featherweight title shot while the younger and surging Youssef Zalal could also move into the title picture with a high profile win. Norma Dumont is trying to secure a title shot in a terrible division, she’s taking on Joselyne Edwards who could rocket herself up the rankings with a win. Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez should be good, Davey Grant vs. Adrian Martinetti is pretty can’t miss on paper, and on the prelims Jafel Filho is a solid rising prospect at flyweight. We could be at the last stand for jiu-jitsu legend Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida as he takes on Ryan Spann, so at leas that’ll be a somewhat important bout. All in all for warehouse fights we’re looking OK on paper this week, now let’s hope the action lives up the potential.
UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal comes to us from the Meta Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. John Gooden will lead the commentary booth along with Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz while Bruce Buffer handles announcing and Charly Arnolt is our roving reporter. Nevada does use all the newer rules, but their relationship with instant replay is fairly unique so if anything weird comes of that I’ll let you know.
Talita Alencar has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, she’s looking to prove she’s finally finding her footing and is ready to make a real move from prospect towards contender status. Julia Polastri has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a win though and now looks to build her first UFC winning streak. Polastri is a notable favorite at -250 while +205 on Alencar might be a solid little value bet.
Strawweight Bout: Talita Alencar (7-1-1, 116 lbs.) vs. Julia Polastri (14-5, 115 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Polastri is an inch taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage, she’s also 7 years younger. A bit of forward motion from Polastri, neither woman is throwing much early. Alencar shows a few kicks, Polastri is mindful and wants to stay out of grappling range. Bit of a calf kick from Alencar. They split jabs. Polastri avoids a high kick. They both block some kicks while circling. Polastri lands a body kick. Bit of a high kick from Alencar. Jab from Polastri. Bit of a right hand from Alencar then a body kick. Jab from Alencar. Polastri lands a jab of her own. Leg kick from Alencar. Alencar with a body kick but Polastri avoids some punches after that. Polastri lands an inside leg kick. Polastri keeps leaning to avoid punches, that should open up a takedown from Alencar if she can see it. Alencar lands a couple of rights then clinches up. Polastri quickly pushes free and they reset. Knee pick from Alencar, Polastri throws some up kicks to keep Alencar standing over her. Eventually Alencar goes down into side control on Polastri. A few short elbows from Alencar land to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Alencar
ROUND TWO: Jab from Polastri then she avoids a right hand. Alencar misses a high kick. Bit of a right from Alencar. Polastri avoids a few strikes then lands an inside leg kick. Body jab from Alencar then she has a high kick blocked. Bit of a right from Alencar. Polastri avoids a takedown. Bit of a left hook from Alencar. Alencar with a body kick. Knee from Alencar in close. Polastri lands a body kick. Jab from Alencar, Polastri counters with a right hand. Polastri lands another body kick, Alencar returns that one. Polastri blocks a few kicks. Alencar lands a couple of punches but then fails on a single leg attempt. Both women land punches in close but Polastri is throwing more and the volume is starting to work. Body kick from Polastri. One two from Polastri. Alencar lands a left hook then catches a kick and gets a takedown into half guard. Only a minute for Alencar to work though. Elbows from Alencar land as she works to pass. Body to head punches from Alencar, Polastri is just holding to try and kill the round. Alencar with elbows to the body and head, then she stands to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Alencar but could go either way, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both women come out kicking again. Bit of a spinning back fist from Alencar. Jab from Polastri. Right hand from Alencar. They split jabs again. Bit of a blitz from Alencar. Polastri lands a leg kick. Overhand right from Alencar partially lands. Again they trade some low kicks. Alencar lands a side kick. Jab from Polastri. Alencar with a body kick then a right hand. Polastri avoids a tie up but her offense has become a bit more muted, she’s not really opening up. They both avoid high kicks. Counter right from Polastri. Counter right from Polastri lands. They both avoid punches. One two from Alencar, Polastri responds with a left hand. They trade body kicks. Alencar lands a right hand. Polastri avoids a high kick. Bit of a body kick from Alencar. Polastri lands a right hand then a body kick. Body kick from Alencar. Right hand from Alencar, they get close and both women swing a bit as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Polastri but could go either way, 29-28 Alencar overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Talita Alencar via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No interview for Alencar.
Max Griffin has gone 8-10 in the UFC and is 2-4 in his last six bouts while also being on a two fight losing streak. Griffin really needs to bounce back with a win here as another loss with his veteran status would pretty firmly establish him on the downside of his career. Victor Valenzuela lost on the Contender Series last year but after a win on the regional scene he got the call here to make his UFC debut, and a win over a veteran like Griffin would be a great way to get his UFC run started. The odds lean towards the Chilean Valenzuela at -135 against Griffin’s +115.
Welterweight Bout: Max Griffin (20-12, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Victor Valenzuela (13-4, 170 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Griffin is two inches taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older as he hit the big 40. Circling early, Griffin is the one working his way forward. Valenzuela shows the lead leg a fair bit early. Bit of a right from Valenzuela. Valenzuela misses a few punches. Bit of a right from Valenzuela. Both men land punches in close. Jab from Valenzuela, counter right from Griffin. Valenzuela with a body kick. Both men miss rights as Valenzuela fails a takedown. Griffin avoids a spinning back kick. Bit of a left hook from Valenzuela in close. Both men are starting from so far out that they’re easy to read and avoid thus far. Counter left hook from Valenzuela then a body kick. Griffin lands a right hand then tries a takedown, Valenzuela bounces up right away into a clinch. They break then Valenzuela avoids a right hand as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Valenzuela but could go either way
ROUND TWO: More circling and feinting. Some stance switching from Valenzuela but he’s still mostly orthodox. Left hook from Valenzuela partially lands. Spinning back fist from Valenzuela, that bothers Griffin a bit but he takes Valenzuela down anyway. Wall walk from Valenzuela then Griffin lands a right hand as they break. Bit of a leg kick from Valenzuela. Valenzuela with a left uppercut. Griffin with a calf kick. Valenzuela lands a left to the body, they clinch briefly then trade as they break. Griffin avoids a wheel kick and takes Valenzuela down into full guard. Valenzuela tries a triangle choke, then they wrestle up into a clinch. Valenzuela has Griffin against the fence and spins him down to a knee. Next Valenzuela moves to the ride, he’s got a nice ankle grip going then lands an elbow as Griffin fights up and free. Counter right hand and left hook from Valenzuela. Valenzuela with another left to the body. Valenzuela with a body jab. Griffin has a right hand blocked as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Valenzuela but another close one, 20-18 Valenzuela overall
ROUND THREE: Both men show the lead hand. One two from Valenzuela wobbles Griffin a bit, then a left hook into a clinch. Both men with rights as they break. Griffin tackles Valenzuela down into full guard. Valenzuela wrestles up and free. Another right hand from Valenzuela lands. Valenzuela lands a calf kick. Griffin lands a left hand. Counter right from Valenzuela lands. Griffin lands a left hook. Valenzuela with a left to the body again. Glancing right from Valenzuela. Griffin is trying to intercept with elbows but he looks uncomfortable now. Valenzuela with a couple of jabs. Griffin lands a right hand. Valenzuela blocks a level change. Counter right uppercut from Valenzuela. Valenzuela lands a left hook then shoves Griffin down and kicks him on the way up. Elbow from Valenzuela. Griffin lands an elbow, Valenzuela is walking into them but he’s undeterred. Valenzuela with another left to the body. Valenzuela with a body kick. Knee from Valenzuela in close, Griffin then lands a right hand. Griffin tries a takedown, Valenzuela defends and they hit the fence then separate. Both men land lefts. Valenzuela with a left to the body then a body kick. Griffin lands a right hand. Darting right from Griffin, Valenzuela responds with one of his own as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Valenzuela, 30-27 Valenzuela overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Victor Valenzuela via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Mic time for Valenzuela and the translator, he’s emotional as he lost his grandmother this week so he just reads a note. He says the plans of God are perfect and his faith is strong, ask for help from God and will give it to you, and he knows his grandmother was here with him tonight.
Francis Marshall has traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in the UFC, he got a win his last time out and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. Lucas Brennan brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut and now tries to make the most of his only chance at making a first impression. Marshall is a big favorite at -525 to a +390 comeback on Brennan.
Lightweight Bout: Lucas Brennan (11-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Francis Marshall (9-3, 155.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Brennan is an inch taller while the reach is identical. Southpaw for Brennan. Both men probe with kicks, Marshall lands a few rights. Another right from Marshall lands but Brennan does land a bit of a counter cut kick. Brennan pushes into a clinch on the fence. Counter takedown from Marshall as he caught a knee and gets the takedown into side control. Brennan tries an empty half guard, Marshall might turn that into a leg drag and then lands punches. Brennan is able to get half guard but Marshall drops a few short elbows. Marshall passes to half guard and he keeps sneaking in some punches. Brennan half tries octopus play but Marshall cross faces him to prevent it from developing. Marshall looks to attack, Brennan is able to attack a leg and and that’s not pleasant but Marshall gets his knee past the groin and is safe then gets back on top. Brennan wall walks into a clinch, he eats a knee and that’s where the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Marshall
ROUND TWO: Marshall gets back to landing the right hand at space. Again that right hand from Marshall mostly lands. Hard right from Marshall. Brennan tries a single leg, that hits the fence and Marshall lands an elbow in the clinch. Knee from Marshall as he’s got Brennan on the fence. Brennan spins Marshall into the fence but he’s not really working offense yet. They keep spinning then Marshall hits a foot sweep to get on top in side control. Brennan is able to catch half guard but Marshall is landing short elbows again. Marshall passes to side control and lands a few lefts. They trade knees to the body, that favors Marshall heavily as he’s got leverage for them. The round ends with Marshall still on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Marshall, 20-18 Marshall overall
ROUND THREE: Marshall gets back to out striking Brennan as the round continues. Marshall falls a little short with rights. Bit of a left from Brennan then he fails a takedown. Marshall lands a right hand. Brennan is being more aggressive this round, he knows he needs a finish. Inside calf kick from Marshall. Marshall shoves away from a clinch attempt. Bit of a right from Marshall. One two from Marshall lands flush. Brennen clinches briefly but can’t keep it. Another right from Marshall lands. Bit of a left hook from Marshall. Brennan with a side kick to the knee, that looked a little gnarly but Marshall keeps going. Bit of a right from Marshall. Both men miss punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Marshall, 30-27 Marshall overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Francis Marshall via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
No interview for Marshall.
Jafel Filho has gone 3-2 in the UFC, most recently he got a win and is now trying to build another winning streak. Cody Durden took this fight on fairly short notice, hence the fight being at bantamweight instead of flyweight, he’s had a habit of doing that but it’s part of the reason he’s on a four fight losing streak and could be fighting for his job. Filho is the biggest favorite on the card at -650 to Durden’s +475.
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Durden (17-10-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Jafel Filho (17-4, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Filho has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Feinting from both men as they circle. Bit of a front kick from Filho. Durden lands a right hand while pushing forward. Filho shows stance switches while moving around. Durden is able to get a takedown into half guard. Short punches from Durden but Filho is scrambling around and eventually sweeps to get on top in half guard. Filho mounts the legs and lands some punches, he gets to the back but Durden bases up with Filho hooking one leg. Trip from Filho, Durden looks to wall walk again but takes a few punches as he gets up into a clinch. Both men miss punches as they break. Bit of a left hook from Filho. They’re both showing stance switches now. They tie up, Durden with a takedown against the fence into full guard. Durden passes to half guard then lands a right hand. Filho looks to invert, he attacks a kneebar but there’s short time and Durden defends as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Filho but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Both men with rights pretty early. They both miss punches. Right hand from Durden. Durden with an inside calf kick. Another inside calf kick from Durden. Bit of a knee from Filho then a right hand. Another knee from Filho, Durden takes him down but Filho bothers him with an upkick then stands. Durden gets a clinch, he gets a takedown but just stands over Filho. Ax kick from Durden goes into the groin so we’ve got a time out. Yeah, no doubt on that one. Filho recovers pretty quickly and we’re back to fighting after :27. Glancing high kick from Filho. Durden lands an inside calf kick. Filho with a right hand into a clinch. Both men miss punches as they break. Jab from Filho. Another inside leg kick from Durden. Durden lands a jab but they clinch and Filho hits a takedown into side control. Only about 40 seconds for Filho though. Filho moves to full mount and attacks an arm triangle but loses that attack. Durden gives up the back, Filho attacks the choke but wont find it before Durden escapes as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Durden, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both men show kicks as the last round starts. Front kick from Filho. Bit of a right from Durden. They both swing but don’t land then clinch up and Filho pushes things into the fence. Elbow then left hook from Filho and they trade then Durden grabs a front headlock briefly. They resume landing strikes in the clinch. A few knees go back and forth, Filho seems to be getting the better of things. Takedown from Durden, Filho is looking to wrestle up but Durden is smothering that. Body kick from Durden as he gets free, then he lands a right hand and gets on top again. Filho gives up the back, Durden gets one hook in and attacks the choke. Both hooks in for Durden now but Filho is hand fighting. The round will end with Durden on top landing a few punches.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Durden, 29-28 Durden overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cody Durden via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
I’m a little surprised by Durden getting the first round but he was the right winner. No interview for Durden though.
Mayra Bueno Silva was part of one of the worst title fights the UFC has put on when she and Raquel Pennington fought for the vacant belt in 2024, she’s on a four fight losing streak and hasn’t technically won a fight since 2023. Bueno Silva needs to break her winless streak here if she wants to ever get close to the title picture again. Michelle Montague is undefeated including a successful UFC debut last year, she’s trying to remain perfect and get a high profile win here over a former title challenger. Despite being in just her second UFC fight Montague is a heavy favorite at -400 to a +320 comeback on Bueno Silva.
Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Michelle Montague (7-0, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #12 Mayra Bueno Silva (10-6-1 1 NC, 136 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Montague is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Immediately Montague punches in close then hits a takedown into side control. Worth noting Montague looks much bigger than Bueno Silva. A few short elbows from Montague then some hammer fists. Bueno Silva is able to get half guard, she’s trying to wrestle up but Montague has her head wrapped up and that’s complicating things. Montague spins to the ride position then Bueno Silva rolls for half guard. Montague with a few strikes then hammer fists as she moves towards mount. Bueno Silva blocks that attack but she’s constantly kind of on the defensive. Montague moves back to the ride and lands elbows and punches. Bueno Silva tries to tie up a leg, she’s after an inside heel hook but Montague pressures through it and winds up passing to side control again. A few more elbows from Montague, she’s just positionally ahead of Bueno Silva and is diligent about landing strikes as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Montague
ROUND TWO: Montague gets back to moving forward. They both land punches but Bueno Silva avoids a rush and they trade punches. Bueno Silva avoids a takedown. Body kick from Bueno Silva. Montague lands a right hand. Montague with a bad shot but she gets contact and pushes things to the fence. Bueno Silva is after a ninja choke, but Montague spins out of it and they just reset. Body kick from Bueno Silva. They split jabs. Montague lands a right hand. Uppercut from Bueno Silva but she eats a few counters. Another body kick from Bueno Silva, Montague might be hurt to the body. Montague shoots for the legs, Bueno Silva slips to the back but Montague wrestles to top position. Bueno Silva is after a kimura, she could turn it into an armbar given the positions of their bodies or just use it to take the back but Montague gets her arm free and gets back on top in side control. Montague moves for a mounted crucifix, Bueno Silva is able to scramble and tries to attack another leg. Ultimately Montague takes an illegal upkick and we’ve got a time out. Replay shows the left knee of Montague was clearly down. Despite the foul Montague only takes :42 before we’re back to fighting. Bit of a right from Montague. Bueno Silva lands a left to the body. Montague with a blitz then she pushes into a clinch on the fence. Bueno Silva has the head wrapped but misses a right hand as they break. A few punches go back and forth as the round breaks.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Montague but could go either way, 20-17 Montague overall
ROUND THREE: Montague marches forward and they trade punches. Bueno Silva with a body kick. Montague ducks under a punch and hits a double leg into side control. Bueno Silva is able to catch a leg but Montague gets back to side control. Montague lands punches from the ride, Bueno Silva is able to roll though and nearly gets the back, she’s got one hook in and lands an elbow. Both hooks in now for Bueno Silva. Montague breaks the hooks and reverses to get back on top in side control. Some elbows to the body from Montague then a few short elbows to the head. Hammer fists from Montague then elbows as well. Montague keeps dropping strikes, Bueno Silva looks to escape but she’s not able to get the motion going. Montague closes the round throwing more strikes.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Montague, 30-26 Montague overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michelle Montague via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
No issues with Bueno Silva getting the second, and the 10-8 in the first was a tad generous on my part. No interview again.
Sedriques Dumas hasn’t won in his last three fights, in fact his most recent win was over Denis Tiuliulin and he really needs to get back on the winning side of things here. Jackson McVey has gone 0-2 in the UFC and just like Dumas really needs to find success here. Given how unreliable both fighters are the odds ultimately settled with McVey at -190 against +160 on Dumas.
Middleweight Bout: Sedriques Dumas (10-4 1 NC, 184 lbs.) vs. Jackson McVey (6-2, 185 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: McVey is two inches taller but Dumas has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for McVey, pretty quick clinch and McVey gets Dumas on the fence. Knees go back and forth for a bit. McVey with knees to the body and head, he’s slowly pulling away in terms of number of strikes thrown. McVey with an elbow as they break. Right uppercut from McVey drops Dumas, he gets on top and throws punches, Dumas is covering up and McVey then grabs a d’arce choke and forces the tap.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jackson McVey via Submission, d’arce choke, at 2:14 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. McVey for his work. Mic time for McVey, he opens with a bad Irish accent for humor. He talks us through the finish and mentions working on counters to the jab of Dumas. To close McVey mentions he’s betting married next month and would like to fight after that.
Jackson McVey locks in the d'arce choke 🔥
📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/eRgVFYXwI7
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) April 25, 2026
Rodolfo Vieira is one of the finest jiu-jitsu competitors of his generation, in the UFC he’s had mixed results and most recently was on the wrong end of a brutal head kick knockout. Vieira is trying to avoid his first losing streak. Eric McConico has gone 1-2 in the UFC, his lone win being a split decision over Cody Brundage and his last fight being a loss. McConico is trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak here. The odds like Vieira at a fairly heavy -300 to +240 for McConico.
Middleweight Bout: Eric McConico (10-4-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (11-4, 185.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while McConico has four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for McConico, quick right hand from Vieira, that hurts McConico then Vieira gets the back standing. McConico gets Vieira over the top but Vieira grabs an armbar and McConico barely escapes up into a clinch. They separate without issue. Double leg from Vieira then he gets the back standing. Some punches from Vieira then he tries a takedown, McConico defends but as they scramble Vieira still keeps the back standing. Short right from Vieira then they get chest to chest. Single leg from Vieira, McConico is able to defend though. Eventually Vieira sweeps a leg and gets to the ride position. Both hooks in for Vieira and he winds up in the backpack position as McConico stands upright. Vieira bails on the back and they trade knees in the clinch before breaking. Jab from Vieira. Bit of a one two from Vieira. McConico lands a left hand. Vieira with a right to the body. McConico throws a few kicks at distance. Vieira backs McConico up, then pushes into a takedown against the fence. McConico sits on the fence as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira
ROUND TWO: Bit of a calf kick from Vieira. Left hand from McConico. Bit of a one two from Vieira. Both men land body punches. They trade in close again, a right hand from Vieira seems to bother McConico a little bit. McConico throws a head kick that’s mostly blocked. Left hand from McConico. Vieira with a one two. McConico punches his way in close and lands a left hand. A couple lefts from McConico, Vieira is struggling to get his offense going now. Right to the body from Vieira. Hard left from McConico. Vieira with another right to the body, he tries a double leg and that hits the fence. Vieira slips to the back standing and knees the leg a few times. A few calf kicks from Vieira in that position before McConico gets chest to chest again. They break as McConico misses a right hand. Counter right from Vieira lands but he ate a couple punches to land it. McConico misses a one two as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 McConico, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: McConico backs Vieira up as the round begins. Jab from McConico. Vieira with a right to the body. Both men land rights in close. Left hand from McConico. McConico lands a jab. Calf kick from Vieira. Again Vieira lands a right to the body. Vieira lands an inside calf kick. Bit of a right from Vieira then McConico avoids a takedown. McConico misses a left hand and Vieira gets a clinch to the fence. Vieira has McConico on the cage and lands a knee. Vieira drops for a double leg, McConico is able to block it and Vieira winds up pulling half guard. McConico looks to posture but Vieira wrestles up on a single leg and they’re back clinched on the fence. Right from Vieira, then McConico lands a right as they break. Glancing right from Vieira, McConico lands a jab. Left hand from McConico then he throws a head kick as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 McConico, 29-28 McConico overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Eric McConico via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No interview for McConico.
Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida is one of the best jiu-jitsu competitors of his era, he made a later move to MMA though and has struggled heavily through two UFC fights, going 0-1-1 thus far. Buchecha is trying to get his first taste of UFC success with a win here, and a loss would pretty firmly cement him as an oddity in this sport rather than genuine contender. Ryan Spann has gone 1-1 since moving to heavyweight last year, he is coming off of a win though and another one here might indicate he has a decent future in the division. Given how bad he’s looked so far it’s a little surprising that the odds lean towards Buchecha at -145 while that +125 on Spann is doubtless a tempting bet.
Heavyweight Bout: Marcus Buchecha (5-2-1, 252.5 lbs.) vs. Ryan Spann (23-11, 264 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Spann is three inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage, he’s also over 10 pounds heavier. Early calf kick from Buchecha. Bit of a right hand from Spann. Buchecha tries a takedown, Spann defends then unloads hammer fists before getting kind of tied up with Buchecha on bottom. Spann with some elbows to the body, Buchecha takes the back as they stand then hit the fence. Foot sweep from Buchecha and he’s on top in half guard. Arm triangle attack from Buchecha, he nearly gets the back but Spann is able to scramble away as some contact is lost and they reset on the feet. Spann sprawls away from a takedown but stays kind of on top instead of disengaging. Buchecha wrestles up to his knees, Spann knees the body then stands free and forces the reset. Hard calf kick from Buchecha then he punches into a takedown, that hits the fence but he pulls for a leg attack. Spann scrambles free then tries a ninja choke as Buchecha attacks again, Buchecha winds up spinning free but winding up on bottom. Elbow from Spann as he moves to the ride position. Spann stands free as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Spann
ROUND TWO: Both men show jabs, Spann complains of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Buchecha gets a warning then we’re back, it wasn’t a bad poke. They touch gloves after Buchecha gets another warning for his fingers. Bit of a right hand from Buchecha. Buchecha with a calf kick, he shoots again and then they hit the fence. Spann separates and they reset again. One two from Spann ENDS Buchecha.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ryan Spann via KO, punches, at 2:10 of Round 2
Mic time for Spann after that, he thanks God then his team, family, and friends. He talks us through the finish then mentions he took this fight just a few weeks ago and everyone worked hard with him to get this result.
SPANN STRAIGHT RIGHT KO
📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/d7wVJH0L7l
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) April 26, 2026
Montel Jackson just had a six fight winning streak broken by Deiveson Figueiredo, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and prove he’s still a viable prospect in the division. Raoni Barcelos is on a surprisingly good four fight winning streak, he’s been around for quite a long time and at 38 years old he’s unlikely to make a real run but if he can get to five in a row here it would earn him a bigger fight his next time out. Jackson is your -185 favorite while a Barcelos win pays out at +155.
Bantamweight Bout: Raoni Barcelos (21-5, 136 lbs.) vs. #14 Montel Jackson (15-3, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Jackson is three inches taller with a big eight and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Jackson and they touch gloves. Jab from Jackson, then a body kick and left hand that drops Barcelos. Jackson gets on top and looks to attack, Barcelos tries to attack a leg but Jackson keeps punching him as they wrestle up. Barcelos works for a takedown against the fence but Jackson is defending so far. They break without incident. Jackson lands a left hand, then another one. Barcelos’ right eye is a mess. Jackson with a body kick, Barcelos catches it and gets a takedown into full guard. Barcelos slams his way into a position move then Jackson wrestles up into another clinch. They break without incident. OK, the right eye of Barcelos is swelling but not as much of a mess as I thought with the prior quick look. Takedown from Barcelos and he gets the ride position. Barcelos attacks the choke but there’s short time and Jackson sees out the round as that choke was tight.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Jackson
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Jab from Jackson, then a left hand. Barcelos shows some low kicks. Jackson avoids a few punches. Barcelos lands a calf kick. Barcelos avoids a left hand. Knee from Jackson, Barcelos tries a takedown but Jackson wrestles through it and separates. Jackson lands a jab. Bit of a left from Jackson. Barcelos tries a double leg, has to settle for a clinch on the fence though. Single leg from Barcelos but Jackson immediately wrestles up and free then lands a jab. Calf kick from Barcelos. A couple jabs from Jackson then a knee in close. Barcelos reaches for a single leg, that hits the fence again. Barcelos slips to the back, Jackson turns back into him and lands a knee to the body. Another knee from Jackson then Barcelos lands an elbow. Foot sweep from Barcelos and he gets on top in technically mount. Now full mount for Barcelos and he drops some shoulder strikes and punches. Slick back take from Barcelos, he’s after the choke again but wont find it before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Barcelos, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Barcelos quickly tries a single leg, Jackson defends and they hit the fence. After a bit Jackson is able to push free and reset. Left hand from Jackson. Another left from Jackson. Barcelos lands a right hand. Bit of a one two from Jackson, his hand speed is still exceptional. Barcelos pushes into a clinch then trips Jackson down into half guard. Jackson looks to wrestle up, he gets up and Barcelos fights to keep the clinch. Knee from Jackson to the head. Bit of an elbow from Barcelos then they break. Barcelos blocks a high kick. Bit of a right from Barcelos. Jackson lands a jab. Barcelos tries a single leg, and then trips Jackson down against the fence. Jackson immediately wall walks but Barcelos fires a high kick as they break. Jackson misses a couple of punches then Barcelos gets a takedown. Barcelos is on the ack again as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Jackson but could go either way, 29-28 Jackson overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Raoni Barcelos via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
No complaints about 29-28 either way. Mic time for Barcelos and the translator, he puts over Jackson and is happy to have gotten the win. He talks us through some highlights and says his hard work is paying off.
Davey Grant just had a two fight winning streak broken by Charles Jourdain, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2021. Given his exciting style he’s unlikely to be staring down a pink slip with a loss but it would definitely shut him out of the upper levels of the division. Adrian Luna Martinetti is on a 15 fight winning streak and was one half of the fight of the year from 2025, now he’s making his UFC debut and a win over a respected veteran like Grant would be a great way to announce himself to the audience. Close one here, -120 on Grant to an even +100 for Martinetti.
Bantamweight Bout: Davey Grant (15-8, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti (17-1, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Martinetti has two inches of reach advantage and is a full decade younger. They touch gloves. Calf kick from Grant. Martinetti returns the calf kick. Grant shows stance switches and lands an inside calf kick. Martinetti with a calf kick, Grant responds with a front kick then another calf kick. Grant starts showing the jab. Right to the body from Grant then a calf kick. Martinetti starts showing stance switches as well. Body kick from Martinetti but Grant kicks him down in response. Both men land punches in close. Another front kick from Grant then a right hand and he avoids the counter. Uppercut from Martinetti, then Grant checks a calf kick. Bit of a side kick to the knee from Grant then a front kick as well. Pretty solid left hand from Grant then a calf kick behind it. Martinetti checks a calf kick. Martinetti swings a right to the body in close. Grant lands front kick. Inside calf kick from Grant, then a regular one. Knee from Grant in close, Martinetti has been ducking a lot and Grant’s getting hip to it with those knees. Another knee from Grant but Martinetti blocks a couple of hooks. Calf kick from Grant. Grant fights off a takedown then lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Martinetti. Another calf kick from Grant. Left hand then a calf kick from Grant. Martinetti with a knee in close. Grant lands a right to the body. Both men land knees in close. Bit of an oblique kick from Grant to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant
ROUND TWO: Grant opens with a calf kick. Both men land punches in close. Martinetti lands a left hook in close. Grant lands a couple of front kicks then a calf kick. Left hook from Grant in close. Martinetti is more southpaw now, those calf kicks have started taking a toll. Inside calf kick from Grant then a front kick. Another inside calf kick from Grant. Martinetti blocks a high kick. Bit of a knee from Grant. Martinetti with a left to the body. Grant hits the body then lands a calf kick to the back leg. They trade knees in close then Martinetti hits the body before clinching on the fence. Grant with knees to the body before they break. Both men hit the body again in close. Bit of a body kick from Grant. Inside calf kick from Grant then a front kick. Grant lands a couple of body shots then a left hook. Martinetti lands a left to the body. Body kick from Grant, Martinetti responds with a left hand. Right hand from Grant. Grant avoids a spinning attack then cracks Martinetti with a right hand. Front kick from Grant. Grant with another right, Martinetti’s clearly not as comfortable southpaw. Left hand from Martinetti. Grant with a right hand. Grant lands a calf kick. They trade in close again, Martinetti has gone orthodox again. Calf kick from Grant then a front kick. Short right from Grant. Martinetti blocks a high kick. Grant lands another calf kick. Right to the body then a left hook from Grant. Both men land in close again, then Grant lands a calf kick which basically ends the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant, 20-18 Grant overall
ROUND THREE: Grant lands an inside calf kick. Knees from Grant out of a double collar tie then he avoids a takedown. Martinetti with a left to the body, Grant then cracks him with a right hand. A right to the body from Grant then a calf kick. Grant avoids a few kicks then jabs the body. Another calf kick from Grant. Oblique kick from Martinetti then a high front kick. Right hand from Martinetti. Grant lands a right hand then an inside leg kick. Martinetti with a couple short body blows in close. Grant lands a left uppercut then a front kick. Grant lands a knee. Jab from Grant then a calf kick. Martinetti with a jab, Grant cracks him with a right hand. They both avoid uppercuts. Right to the body then left hook from Grant. Martinetti lands a calf kick. Calf kick from Grant. Left hook from grant stuns Martinetti for a second. Grant with a body kick then both men hit the body. Knee from Grant after he took a jab. Body shots from Grant then a right hand. Martinetti with a takedown, Grant looks to wall walk and Martinetti moves to the ride. Grant stands, Martinetti trips things down but they wrestle back up and trade in the pocket. Again they just hit each other for a while, Martinetti misses a rolling thunder kick as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant, 30-27 Grant overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Davey Grant via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Third round could have gone to Martinetti I guess, it was a really good fight overall. Mic time for Grant, he loves this kind of fight and wants the next one. He sends love to his family who are in attendance then talks us through some highlights and puts over Martinetti as an opponent.
Rafa Garcia has gone 6-4 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, a win here would be among the best of Garcia’s career and could set him up for an even bigger name next. Alexander Hernandez is on a four fight winning streak and he’s hoping that with a fifth win here he’ll get a shot at returning to the top rankings. Another close fight here according to the odds, -125 on Hernandez to +105 for Garcia.
Lightweight Bout: Rafa Garcia (18-4, 155 lbs.) vs. Alexander Hernandez (18-8, 155.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Hernandez has two inches of height and reach on Garcia. Both men show the jab as the fight starts. Garcia with a counter right after he blocked on from Hernandez. Hernandez starts showing southpaw while moving around. Inside calf kick from Garcia. Calf kick from Garcia. Bit of a knee from Hernandez. Jab from Garcia. Bit of a left hook from Garcia. Hernandez blocks a few punches but Garcia is keeping him backed up against the fence. Inside calf kick from Garcia. Hernandez lands a body kick. Bit of a right hand from Garcia. Hernandez lands a left hand. Garcia lands a right hand then hits a takedown. Hernandez scrambles up but Garcia is on his back. Hight crotch lift and slam from Garcia then Hernandez scrambles away. Jab from Garcia. Bit of a body kick from Hernandez. Garcia keeps pressuring forward and both men land power hand punches. Garcia sprawls away from a takedown then lands punches from the front headlock just before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Garcia
ROUND TWO: Hernandez is bleeding from the nose, there’s a small cut around the right eyebrow of Garcia too after the first round. Garcia gets back to moving forward. Solid left hook from Garcia. Hernandez slips throwing a left hand, nothing comes of it though. Bit of a right from Garcia. Garcia with a few punches in close, he’s getting to Hernandez more consistently now. They trade power hand punches. Bit of a combination from Garcia. Jab from Garcia, then a counter right as Hernandez tried to jab. Bit of a one two from Garcia. Hernandez tries an inside leg kick but eats a counter right hand. Garcia lands an inside calf kick. Hernandez misses a head kick. One two from Garcia. Garcia lands a left hook. Again Garcia lands the right hand. They trade rights in close. Hernandez lands a jab. Garcia pushes in close for a high crotch lift, he settles for a clinch then lands a left hand on the break. Garcia lands a right hand. They trade again just as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Garcia, 20-18 Garcia overall
ROUND THREE: Hernandez lands a right hand to start the round. Garcia looks to pressure forward again and lands a couple of rights. Short left from Garcia. Calf kick from Garcia then they trade lefts. Hernandez fights off a single leg attempt. Left hook from Garcia. Jab from Garcia, Hernandez then lands a left hand. Garcia misses a right hand. Jab from Garcia. Body kick from Hernandez. Garcia hits a knee tap, quick wall walk from Hernandez into a clinch. Garcia with some knees to the leg then he slips to the back and lands lefts. Hernandez gets chest to chest but Garcia the knees him in the body. Outside trip from Garcia, Hernandez bounces up but Garcia is on his back landing punches again as they break. More jabs from Garcia. Garcia lands a right, Hernandez counters with a left of his own. They trade lefts a bit. Solid right hand from Garcia. Hernandez looks to swing but his left eye is swelling up. Garcia with a couple more rights. They get close and both men swing away for the final seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Garcia, 30-27 Garcia overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rafa Garcia via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Hernandez getting the third isn’t out of line. Mic time for Garcia, he loves fighting like this because he’s Mexican. He puts over the UFC brass, thanks God as well, then talks us through some highlights. Asked about the future he wants a ranked opponent next, then thanks his coaches for all of their work.
Norma Dumont is on a six fight winning streak and given the sorry state of the division a win here would likely put her into the title picture. Joselyne Edwards is on a four fight winning streak, she did miss weight for one of them, but she could likewise put herself into the title picture with a win. Dumont is the favorite at -190 against the +160 comeback on Edwards.
Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #3 Norma Dumont (13-2, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Joselyne Edwards (17-6, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Edwards is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Dumont is doing a lot of stance switching early as they move around. Both women miss punches in close. Now Edwards is showing stance switches but she’s mostly orthodox still. Body kick from Dumont. Both women swing punches in close then Dumont gets a clinch and takes Edwards down. Edwards wall walks but Dumont is on her back now. They get chest to chest and start jockeying for position. Knee from Dumont. A few more knees from Dumont, Edwards tries to level change but Dumont defends. Edwards tries a bad throw and Dumont just trips her down and lands on top in half guard. Bit of an arm triangle attack from Dumont, Edwards with a few elbows to the body but not much there. Dumont moves to full mount, nearly gets the back but Edwards bridges and gets on top in full guard. They end the round in that spot.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Dumont but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Dumont shows some calf kicks as the round begins. Bit of a side kick from Edwards. Dumont lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Dumont. Edwards misses a right hand. Dumont lands an inside leg kick. Edwards blocks a few punches. Front kick from Edwards. Dumont blocks a body kick then lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Dumont. Dumont avoids a right hand then lands a right of her own. Bit of a counter right from Dumont. Edwards misses a one two. Calf kicks are traded then both women land rights. They tie up and Edwards pushes things to the fence. Both women throw some knees then Edwards with an elbow as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Edwards but another close one because there’s very little to judge, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: They trade punches to start the round. Edwards lands a right to the body. Bit of a right from Dumont. Combination from Edwards in close. A few jabs go back and forth. They trade in close, neither woman is landing anything really substantial but Edwards in general seems to be landing more. They clinch up and Edwards pushes things to the fence. Knees from Dumont in the clinch before they break. Body kick from Edwards. They both miss power hand punches. Edwards lands a combination of punches. Bit of a left hand from Dumont. Jab from Edwards. Spinning attack from Edwards partially lands then they both avoid punches to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Edwards, 29-28 Edwards overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joselyne Edwards via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
I don’t agree with Edwards getting the first but other than that no issues. Mic time for Edwards after that less than stellar fight, she feels she did enough to win and wants to get a title shot. This division sucks enough she might get it. She talks us through what passes for highlights from this thing, she wanted a finish but couldn’t find one.
Aljamain Sterling has gone 2-1 since moving to featherweight after a long run at bantamweight that includes becoming champion and defending the title a few times. A win here wouldn’t guarantee Sterling a shot at the featherweight title, but would put him a step closer to it and a loss might end his dreams of a second title. Youssef Zalal is on an eight fight winning streak including being 5-0 since returning to the UFC in 2024, if he can add the scalp of Sterling to his collection he’ll be very close to the title picture. Very close main event this week, but Zalal closed as the favorite at -130 while Sterling’s comeback sits at +110.
Featherweight Bout: #5 Aljamain Sterling (25-5, 146 lbs.) vs. #7 Youssef Zalal (18-5-1, 145.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Zalal is three inches taller with one inch of reach advantage, he’s also 7 years younger. Southpaw for Zalal. Both men show kicks early. Zalal stance switching now as they move around. Zalal shows jabs then lands a bit of a right hand. Sterling moves forward but has a kick blocked. Bit of a jab from Sterling. Zalal looks to jab his way forward, neither man is really landing anything yet. Jabs go back and forth. Bit of a left hand from Sterling. Zalal lands a right to the body. Sterling tries a takedown, that hits the fence though and Zalal defends. They break without incident as neither man seemed to like that clinch. Foot sweep from Sterling to counter a kick and he gets on top in half guard. Zalal fires a few elbows off of his back. Triangle choke attack from Zalal, that turns into more of an armbar, it’s awkward and unlikely to materialize and Sterling is patiently defending then settles into full guard. Zalal kicks Sterling off, Sterling grabs a front headlock position and ends the round with some elbows to the body.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling
ROUND TWO: Sterling back on forward motion to start the round. Zalal lands a jab then Sterling gets a clinch on the fence. They break without incident. Inside calf kick from Zalal then a bit of a one two. Stepping knee from Zalal goes to the head. Bit of a body kick from Sterling. Right hand from Zalal. Sterling lands an inside leg kick. Right to the body from Zalal then Sterling grabs a clinch on the fence. Sterling looks for a single leg, Zalal defends then Sterling lands a knee as they break. A few knees go back and forth. Jab from Zalal. Stiff jab from Zalal. Sterling lands a right hand but the pressure of Zalal is getting to him a little bit. Sterling avoids a punch and gets the back then rides things down against the fence. Punches from Sterling as he’s got the back. Body triangle from Sterling. Sterling with some more punches and hammer fists, they’re not super damaging but he’s throwing a lot of them. That’s the position the round will end in.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling, 20-18 Sterling overall
ROUND THREE: Sterling moves forward to start the round and lands a right to the body. Knee from Zalal, Sterling eats it but still finishes the takedown against the fence. Zalal goes for a guillotine on the way down, he’s squeezing it and it’s tight but Sterling is able to roll to his back and release the choke but now Zalal is on top in full guard. Zalal passes to half guard. Some lefts from Zalal but Sterling gets full guard back. Sterling thinks about a triangle attack, Zalal stands and Sterling throws some up kicks before Zalal goes back into his guard. Another triangle attack but Zalal passes to side control this time. Zalal gets the back and locks up a body triangle. Zalal starts fishing for the choke but Sterling is defending so far. Sterling bases up to a knee as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Zalal, 29-28 Sterling overall
ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves for the fourth round. Sterling gets on pressure, he misses a right hand and Zalal lands a jab. Calf kicks from Sterling then they trade punches and Sterling gets to the back in a clinch. Knee from Sterling and he pushes Zalal down to a knee. Back take from Sterling and he’s got a body triangle. Some punches from Sterling, he’s trying open up a choke attack. Zalal is hand fighting thus far but Sterling is after him. Sterling goes for an arm in rear naked choke, that’s a real thing that people don’t always use in MMA but Sterling goes for it and nearly puts Zalal to sleep but loses the angle to finish it so he bails on it. Bit of a right from Sterling. Zalal tries to turn into Sterling but can’t quite complete the motion. Hammer fists from Sterling as he moves to full mount. Zalal scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk, Sterling punches him as they get upright then lands a knee. They trade knees and clinch again as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Sterling but a marginal one, 39-36 Sterling overall
ROUND FIVE: Zalal moves forward and lands a one two. Bit of a knee from Zalal then a body kick. They trade lefts. They clinch up and Sterling looks for a takedown against the fence, Zalal defends but he’s losing time to find his finish. Short knee from Zalal. Sterling avoids a potential ninja choke and keeps Zalal on the cage. They break with a right hand from Sterling. Sterling with some punches then he hits a double leg against the fence and mounts the legs. Half guard for Sterling and he lands a few punches to the body and head. Zalal moves to turtle, Sterling predictably gets the back with both hooks in. Body triangle for Sterling now. Some punches from Sterling, again nothing fight ending but he’s pretty steady with throwing them. They end the round with Sterling throwing double punches, then they wrestle up as time expires.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling, 49-45 Sterling overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aljamain Sterling via unanimous decision (49-45 x3)
Mic time for Sterling, he puts over Zalal and says he needed to take his time with a dangerous opponent. He wants to keep active and make one more title run. He talks us through some highlights and notes Zalal was hard to choke so he threw a lot of strikes to compensate and again puts over Zalal as a future title challenger. About the future he wants a rematch with Movsar Evloev or a title shot with Volkanovski. He says he’s been here 12 years and that was his 23rd UFC fight, he wants a title shot and respect.
Zalal gets mic time too, he thanks God first then puts over Sterling before saying he’ll be back and even better with this learning experience under his belt.
Well on that note UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast over on the 411 youtube channel tomorrow, plus look ahead to next week when the UFC has UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates. As a note that card next week is in Australia and will have an early prelim start time of 4am EST. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will as well. Until next time thank you all so much for reading, be that live or after the fact. Stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.
