UFC Vegas 116 (UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal / UFC Fight Night 274) is scheduled at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada (Enterprise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Valley), United States.
Prelims begin at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT, with the main card starting at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT (7:00 PM CDT). The event streams live on Paramount+.
The card is headlined by a featherweight bout between former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and surging contender Youssef Zalal. The bout you asked about—Max Griffin vs. Victor Valenzuela (welterweight, 170 lbs)—is on the preliminary card (a recent addition to bolster the lineup).
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for Max Griffin or Victor Valenzuela. Both fighters are expected to compete at full capacity. This welterweight prelim is a late addition (booked in mid-April) to address card changes; the broader UFC Vegas 116 event has seen multiple adjustments and withdrawals (including prior flyweight and other bouts), but this specific matchup remains intact and on schedule.
Fighter Matchup: Max Griffin vs. Victor Valenzuela (Welterweight – 3 Rounds)
Max Griffin (“Pain,” USA, age 40, MMAGold Fight Team / Team Alpha Male)
Record: 20-12-0 (UFC: 8-10)
Height/Reach: 6’0″ / 76″
Stance: Orthodox
Recent Form (last 4 fights): Loss (split decision vs. Chris Curtis – Jul 12, 2025); Loss (submission – RNC, Rd 3 vs. Michael Chiesa – Dec 7, 2024); Win (split decision vs. Jeremiah Wells – Feb 10, 2024); Loss (unanimous decision vs. Michael Morales – Jul 1, 2023).
Key Strengths: Veteran striker/wrestler with 9 KO/TKO wins and solid durability (only 1 KO loss in UFC). Averages 3.76 significant strikes per minute with 47% accuracy; strong takedown defense (70%) and experience against top competition. Reliable in “welcome to the UFC” spots.
Fight History Notes: Long-time UFC welterweight (debut 2016) known for gritty, high-volume performances and frequent split decisions. On a two-fight skid but has wins over names like Wells, Tim Means, and Carlos Condit. Serves as a tough test for any newcomer.
Victor Valenzuela (“Psicosis,” Chile/USA, age 32, MMA Masters)
Record: 13-4-0 (UFC debut)
Height/Reach: 5’9″ / 71.5″ (Griffin has 4.5″ reach advantage)
Stance: Orthodox
Recent Form (last 4 fights): Win (TKO – punches, Rd 2 vs. Yusaku Kinoshita – Mar 29/30, 2026, Shooto); Loss (TKO – punches, Rd 2 vs. Michael Oliveira – Oct 13/14, 2025, DWCS); Win (KO/TKO – knee, Rd 1 vs. Bruce Whitehead – Jun 21/22, 2025, Fury FC); Win (TKO – leg kick/punches, Rd 1 vs. Dustin Parrish – Mar 28/29, 2024, LFA).
Key Strengths: Explosive power striker with 7 KO/TKO wins (54% of victories) and 2 submissions. Aggressive finisher who ends fights early (multiple first-round stoppages); rebounded strongly after DWCS loss.
Fight History Notes: Regional standout (LFA, Fury FC, Combate Global) who earned a UFC contract via DWCS opportunity despite the loss to Oliveira. Making his Octagon debut on relatively short notice against a seasoned veteran.
Style Breakdown: Orthodox striker vs. striker/wrestler welterweight bout featuring a high-volume veteran (Griffin) against a younger, power-punching debutant (Valenzuela). Griffin’s experience, reach, and wrestling should allow him to control range and mix levels, while Valenzuela’s finishing threat (heavy hands and early aggression) makes him dangerous early. Expect a stand-up heavy scrap with potential for Griffin to grind or Valenzuela to land a highlight-reel KO. This is a classic “prove yourself” matchup for the newcomer.
FIGHT ODDS
Max Griffin + 130
Victor Valenzuela – 160
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 24, 2026
