Sterling drops to 145 to face Zalal on April 25

Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling faces rising featherweight contender Youssef Zalal in the main event of UFC Fight Night on April 25 in Las Vegas. Sterling, dropping to 145 pounds, looks to rebound and make a statement against the grappling specialist Zalal. This matchup tests Sterling's adaptability in a new division packed with contenders like Ilia Topuria. It matters for Sterling's career revival and Zalal's push toward title contention. A win could elevate either into the top 10. The card streams on Paramount+ as part of the busy 2026 schedule.