This week’s UFC Fight Night is headlined by the former Bantamweight Champion No. 5 Aljamain “The Funkmaster” Sterling vs. No. 7 Youssef Zalal. Sterling is coming off a victory over Brian Ortega, while Zalal enters this fight on an eight-fight winning streak. The Main Card for this event begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on Paramount+.

Check out my best bets for this Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas.

Aljamain Sterling Moneyline (+114)

This Main Event matchup between Sterling and Zalal carries high stakes as the winner would firmly put themselves in line for a title shot. After departing the UFC in August 2022, Zalal has turned his career around and has won six of his last eight fights by submission or knockout. Zalal is coming off victories over tough veterans Josh Emmett and Calvin Kattar, but Sterling is on a different level than they are. 

Sterling is 2-1 at 145 pounds and is looking to win two consecutive fights for the first time in nearly three years. Even at 36, Sterling proved he is still an elite fighter against Ortega. Sterling has always excelled on the ground during his career, but has shown improvements in the striking department. On paper, Zalal is three inches taller (5’10” vs. 5’7″), with a slightly longer standing reach (72″ vs. 71″).

On DraftKings Sportsbook, Sterling is a +114 underdog while Zalal is a -135 favorite in this contest. Sterling averages more significant strikes per minute (4.45 vs. 3.03) and more takedowns per 15 minutes (2.45 vs. 2.17) than Zalal. Sterling has done an excellent job of using all areas of his game recently. If Sterling is as aggressive as he was against Ortega, it will be something Zalal hasn’t seen. This fight favors the former champion since it’s a five-round contest, and the longer it lasts, the more it benefits Sterling.

Ryan Spann Moneyline (+114)

Since moving to Heavyweight, Ryan Spann is 1-1 and is coming off a first-round submission over Lukasz Brzeski at UFC 318 in July 2025. He is 2-1 in his previous three fights, and last won back-to-back fights in November 2022. Often, Spann’s fights are highly entertaining as 12 of his last 14 fights have ended via submission or knockout. He is facing Marcus Buchecha in the first fight of tomorrow’s Main Card. Buchecha is 0-1-1 in the UFC, and last fought Kennedy Nzechukwu to a draw in December 2025.

Spann has a two-inch edge in standing reach (79″ vs. 77″) while being three inches taller (6’5″ vs. 6’2″). Buchecha is a -135 favorite while Spann is a +114 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook. It is surprising to see Buchecha as the favorite in this contest, as he hasn’t won a fight since November 2024 and has yet to get into the win column in the UFC. Spann has the advantage on the feet and should be able to pull off the upset if he makes it a striking matchup.