Sterling and Zalal Display Fight Week Physiques for UFC Vegas 116

Fight week photos for UFC Vegas 116 have surfaced showing both Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal in peak physical condition ahead of their featherweight main event clash on April 23. The images, shared to draw fan reaction, give a close look at where both athletes stand heading into fight night.

Sterling, known as "Funk Master," enters the bout at 26-5-0 and holds the fourth-ranked spot in the featherweight division. The 36-year-old from the United States trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team and stands five-foot-seven with a 71-inch reach. A former bantamweight champion, Sterling is pushing to re-establish himself as a title contender after moving up in weight. He lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate, and averages 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes, reflecting a well-rounded offensive game.

Zalal, nicknamed "The Moroccan Devil," carries an 18-6-1 record and sits at number 12 in the featherweight rankings. The 29-year-old fights out of Factory X in the United States and stands five-foot-ten with a 72-inch reach. A switch-stance fighter, Zalal has built momentum with a recent finishing streak. He averages 3.03 significant strikes per minute with a 50 percent accuracy rate and adds 2.17 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a threat in multiple areas.

Why it matters

• Sterling, ranked fourth, is chasing a path back to championship contention after his title run at bantamweight
• Zalal, ranked twelfth, could leap into the upper tier of the division with a strong performance against a name opponent
• The size difference is notable, with Sterling giving up three inches in height and an inch in reach
• Both fighters blend striking and grappling, setting up a tactically complex matchup across all phases of the fight