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Churchill Downs posts record Q1 revenue, EBITDA

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Churchill Downs posts record Q1 revenue, EBITDA

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Incorporated reported record first‑quarter revenue and adjusted EBITDA on Wednesday, citing steady growth across its racing and wagering businesses.

The company posted $663 million in net revenue for the quarter ended March 31, a 3% increase from a year earlier and the highest quarterly total in its history. Net income attributable to CDI rose 8% to $83 million, aided by a $3 million after‑tax decrease in other charges and recoveries, partially offset by higher transaction and pre‑opening expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA reached $257 million, up 5% year‑over‑year and also a quarterly record.

In its segment breakdown, CDI said its Live and Historical Racing division generated $301 million in revenue and $113 million in adjusted EBITDA, compared with $277 million and $102 million in the prior‑year period. The Wagering Services and Solutions segment reported $118 million in revenue and $45 million in adjusted EBITDA, up from $116 million and $41 million a year earlier.

The Gaming segment posted a slight decline, with revenue falling to $262 million and adjusted EBITDA slipping to $123 million, compared with $267 million and $124 million in Q1 2025. The All Other segment recorded $2 million in revenue, unchanged from last year, while its adjusted EBITDA loss widened to $24 million.

CDI said it ended the quarter with net bank leverage of 3.8x and returned $31 million to shareholders through dividends. The company paid a $0.438 per‑share dividend at the start of the year, marking its 15th consecutive annual increase.

During the quarter, CDI announced plans for a $180–$200 million investment in the Rockingham Grand Casino project in Salem, New Hampshire, expected to open in 2027. It also opened the Marshall Yards Racing & Gaming facility in southwestern Kentucky in February.

After the quarter closed, the company unveiled an $85 million agreement to acquire the Preakness Stakes and Black‑Eyed Susan Stakes.

Michigan online gambling revenue climbs in March

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Michigan online gambling revenue climbs in March

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s commercial and tribal operators reported $372.1 million in combined internet gaming and online sports betting gross receipts in March, an 18.9% increase from February, state regulators said.

iGaming revenue reached a record $322.1 million, surpassing the previous high of $315.8 million set in December 2025. Online sports betting produced $50.0 million in gross receipts for the month.

Adjusted gross receipts (AGR) totaled $341.8 million, including $309.1 million from iGaming and $32.7 million from online sports wagering. Compared with February, iGaming AGR rose 17.9%, while online sports betting AGR jumped 28.6%. Year‑over‑year, iGaming AGR increased 25.6%, and online sports betting AGR grew by $18.1 million.

Online sportsbooks handled $485.1 million in wagers in March, up 26.1% from the prior month.

Operators paid $66.4 million in taxes and fees to the state, including $64.1 million from iGaming and $2.3 million from online sports betting.

Detroit’s three casinos reported $16.1 million in wagering taxes and municipal services fees to the city, including $15.4 million tied to iGaming and $684,547 from online sports betting.

Tribal operators submitted $8.2 million in payments to their governing bodies.

Fifteen commercial and tribal operators were authorized to offer online gaming and/or sports betting as of March, with all 15 offering iGaming and 12 offering online sports wagering. A full revenue distribution table is available on the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s website.

Lithuanian regulator fines Baltic Bet over source‑of‑funds failures

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Lithuanian regulator fines Baltic Bet over source‑of‑funds failures

VILNIUS, Lithuania – The Lithuanian Gaming Supervisory Authority has fined UAB Baltic Bet, operator of the Optibet brand, €468,350 for failing to properly verify the origin of customer funds, the regulator said this week.

The penalty stems from an investigation launched after authorities received information that an individual had lost substantial sums across several gambling operators, including Baltic Bet. Inspectors found the company did not collect required information about the customer or the source of funds used for gambling before allowing play, a violation of Lithuania’s Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.

Regulators said the operator lacked sufficient data to monitor the customer’s gambling activity or identify suspicious transactions. Baltic Bet also failed to ensure that information on suspicious monetary activity was submitted to the Financial Crimes Investigation Service, which investigates financial crime in Lithuania.

The authority concluded that Baltic Bet did not meet legal obligations related to customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring of business relationships and assessment of individual money‑laundering and terrorist‑financing risks. These requirements form the core of Lithuania’s anti‑money‑laundering framework for licensed gambling operators.

When determining the fine, the regulator considered both mitigating and aggravating factors. Baltic Bet had no prior violations tied to anti‑money‑laundering rules and cooperated with inspectors, and the regulator said there was no indication the breaches were intentional. However, the failings persisted for more than a year, and the company received financial benefit from the customer’s gambling activity.

The Gaming Supervisory Authority said it provides annual training and mandatory guidance to gambling and lottery operators to strengthen compliance with anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorist‑financing requirements. The company may appeal the decision in court.

Wise Owl Boxing Signs Elite Amateur Standout Thomas Covington

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Wise Owl Boxing Signs Elite Amateur Standout Thomas Covington

Los Angeles, CA – Wise Owl Boxing proudly announces the signing of highly coveted amateur standout Thomas Covington, an elite-level competitor widely regarded as the No. 1 ranked elite amateur boxer in the United States and one of the most promising prospects transitioning into the professional ranks today.

A proud member of Team USA, Covington is a 20-year-old phenom fighting out of Detroit, where he developed his craft and rose through the amateur ranks to national prominence. An eight-time national champion, Covington has built a dominant amateur résumé, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished and respected fighters in the country. He is now set to make his highly anticipated professional debut at 126 pounds, entering the featherweight division as a promotional free agent already drawing significant interest from top promoters across the sport.

Known for his elite ring IQ, explosive athleticism, and championship pedigree, Covington is coached by Kahlil Harvey, whose guidance has played a key role in developing him into one of the nation’s top amateur talents.

He will be managed by Wise Owl Boxing Founder and President Mark Habibi and co-managed by Lamont Roseborough.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Thomas Covington to Wise Owl Boxing,” said Habibi. “This is a rare talent — a fighter with all the tools, discipline, and pedigree to become a superstar. In my opinion, he has everything it takes to eventually become the face of boxing. He’s just getting started, but the entire industry already sees what’s coming. There’s going to be a feeding frenzy from promoters trying to secure him — and rightfully so.”

Habibi also expressed his appreciation for his team’s role in identifying elite talent:

“I’m especially grateful that Lamont from Wise Owl Boxing was able to find Thomas and bring him to my attention. This is exactly the kind of fighter we want to build with — disciplined, proven, and destined for greatness.”

Covington now joins an already elite roster at Wise Owl Boxing, which includes:

World title contender Brandon Adams

Olympian and top contender Charles Conwell

Olympian standout Brianda Tamara Cruz

Rising star Chantel Navarro

Former World Boxing Council world champion Julio Cesar Martinez (“El Rey”)

And other highly decorated fighters across multiple weight classes

Covington’s signing further solidifies Wise Owl Boxing’s position as one of the premier management firms in the sport, dedicated to developing world-class talent and guiding fighters to championship success.

With his transition into the professional ranks imminent, Covington is expected to generate massive attention from promoters, networks, and fans alike. His combination of amateur dominance and pro-ready skillset makes him one of the most sought-after young fighters in boxing today.

“I’m ready for this next chapter,” said Covington. “I’ve put in the work in the amateurs, and now it’s time to take over the professional game. I’m grateful to be aligned with a team that believes in my vision and is committed to helping me reach the top.”

Wise Owl Boxing will be announcing details regarding Covington’s professional debut in the coming weeks.

UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Marcus Buchecha 5-2-1 vs. Ryan Spann (23-11-0)

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UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Marcus Buchecha 5-2-1 vs. Ryan Spann (23-11-0)

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal (UFC Vegas 116)
Heavyweight Bout – Main Card
Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Main Card: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Paramount+

Fight Context and Fighter Records

This heavyweight scrap opens the main card on UFC Vegas 116 and was added on short notice after Max Gimenis withdrew. BJJ legend Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida (15-time world champion) makes his third UFC appearance looking for his first Octagon win after a disappointing 0-1-1 start. Ryan “Superman” Spann, a veteran with legitimate finishing power and submission game, steps in on short notice after moving up from light heavyweight. A win for Buchecha validates his UFC signing and grappling pedigree at 265 lbs; a victory for Spann keeps his momentum alive in the heavyweight division and could earn him a ranked opponent.

Current records (as of April 2026):

Marcus Buchecha (“Buchecha”): 5-2-1 overall, 0-1-1 in the UFC.

Ryan Spann (“Superman”): 23-11-0 overall, UFC record approximately 9-6-0.

Recent Form

Buchecha: The 36-year-old Brazilian has yet to find his footing in the UFC. He dropped a unanimous decision to Martin Buday (July 26, 2025) and fought to a controversial unanimous draw with Kennedy Nzechukwu (December 13, 2025, with Nzechukwu docked a point for an eye poke). Prior to the UFC, he was a submission machine in ONE Championship (notable wins: Amir Aliakbari R1 RNC, Kirill Grishenko R1 heel hook). Buchecha’s UFC struggles stem from poor striking defense and an inability to impose his grappling early enough.

Spann: The 36-year-old American is coming off a first-round guillotine submission win over Łukasz Brzeski (July 19, 2025) in his second heavyweight bout. Before that, he was stopped by Waldo Cortes-Acosta (March 15, 2025, R2 KO). Spann has shown improved finishing ability at heavyweight (14 career subs, 6 KOs) but remains hittable and has been finished five times in his last 11 fights. His recent form highlights explosive early finishes mixed with defensive vulnerabilities.

Injury Report

Marcus Buchecha: Fully healthy. No reported injuries or issues from open workouts or media day. He has trained at American Top Team without setbacks.

Ryan Spann: Fully cleared despite the short-notice call-up. No lingering issues from his July 2025 fight or training camp. Both fighters have made weight cleanly and are expected to enter 100% ready.

Fighter Matchups and Styles

Striking: Spann holds a significant edge in power, reach (79″ vs. Buchecha’s 77.6″), and height (6’5″ vs. 6’2″). He can end fights with one shot or early TKO. Buchecha’s striking is rudimentary and defensively porous, making him vulnerable to counters.

Grappling: Buchecha is elite — world-class BJJ with four submission wins in five UFC/ONE victories. Spann is no slouch (14 career subs, including recent guillotines) but has been controlled by stronger wrestlers/grapplers lately.

Pace and Cardio: Spann thrives in chaotic early exchanges but can fade. Buchecha has solid gas but has yet to show finishing urgency in the UFC.

X-Factors: Buchecha’s grappling pedigree vs. Spann’s heavyweight power and short-notice experience. This is a high-risk, high-reward striker-vs-grappler clash that analysts widely expect to end early.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between the two. Buchecha is 100% finish rate in wins but 0-1-1 by decision in the UFC. Spann has been finished only three times in his last 10 fights but owns a 17-finish rate overall. The bout was confirmed in mid-April 2026 as a replacement.

FIGHT ODDS

Marcus Buchecha            – 160

Ryan Spann                        + 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 24, 2026

UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Montel Jackson (15-3-0) vs. Raoni Barcelos (21-5-0)

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UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Montel Jackson (15-3-0) vs. Raoni Barcelos (21-5-0)

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal (UFC Vegas 116)
Bantamweight Bout – Main Card
Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Main Card: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Paramount+

Fight Context and Fighter Records

This ranked bantamweight clash on the main card of UFC Vegas 116 features No. 14/16-ranked Montel “Quik” Jackson against veteran Raoni Barcelos, who is gunning for a return to the Top 15. Jackson, a powerful American athlete and former Contender Series standout, brings explosive striking and wrestling to stay relevant in a stacked 135-pound division. Barcelos, the 38-year-old Brazilian with a decade in the UFC, enters on a four-fight win streak and views this as his ticket back into the rankings after a string of impressive decision victories over quality competition. A win for Jackson keeps his momentum rolling toward title contention; a victory for Barcelos would mark a major career resurgence at an age when many fighters slow down.

Current records (as of April 2026):

Montel Jackson (“Quik”): 15-3-0 overall (UFC record approximately 9-2), ranked No. 14/16 bantamweight.

Raoni Barcelos: 21-5-0 overall (UFC record 10-4), currently unranked or borderline #17 but on the cusp of re-entry.

Recent Form

Jackson: The 34-year-old has shown elite athleticism but mixed results in his last two outings. He earned a dominant unanimous decision over Daniel Marcos in May 2025 before suffering a split-decision loss to former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in October 2025 (a low-output affair). Earlier, he scored a first-round KO/TKO over Da’Mon Blackshear in July 2024. Jackson’s recent performances highlight his takedown accuracy (63%) and power, though he has been vulnerable to sustained wrestling pressure in defeats.

Barcelos: The Brazilian veteran is rolling with a four-fight win streak, all coming in 2024-2025. He picked up unanimous decisions over Ricky Simon (November 2025), Cody Garbrandt (June 2025), and an impressive win over prospect Payton Talbott (January 2025 at UFC 311). His most recent prior finish was a third-round rear-naked choke submission in February 2024. Barcelos has thrived on high activity (fighting roughly every five months), out-hustling opponents with volume, grappling, and durability.

Injury Report

Montel Jackson: Fully healthy. No reported injuries or weight-cut concerns leading into the bout. He has looked sharp in open workouts and media sessions.

Raoni Barcelos: Fully cleared and healthy. No lingering issues from his recent fights or training. Both fighters have made weight cleanly in recent appearances and are expected to enter 100% ready. (Note: Jackson had a past rib injury in 2024 training camp that sidelined him for nine months, but that is long resolved.)

Fighter Matchups and Styles

Striking: Jackson holds the clear edge in power, speed, and reach (5’10”, 75.5″ reach vs. Barcelos’ 5’7″, 67″ reach). He uses crisp combinations and kicks to set up entries. Barcelos is a high-volume, technical striker who relies on rhythm and pace rather than one-punch power.

Grappling: Both are dangerous here. Jackson boasts strong chain wrestling and top control (63% takedown accuracy). Barcelos, a BJJ black belt, excels in scrambles, submissions (3 UFC wins by sub), and defensive wrestling; he has made three of Jackson’s UFC losses come via inability to stop takedowns.

Pace and Cardio: Barcelos thrives in extended, high-output fights and has never been finished in his last 10 UFC bouts. Jackson has elite explosiveness but can be worn down if taken out of his rhythm.

X-Factors: Jackson’s youth, size, and finishing threat vs. Barcelos’ veteran IQ, activity, and experience against ranked foes. This is a classic athleticism-vs-craft matchup that could be decided by who controls the clinch and mat time.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between the two. Jackson has never been submitted in the UFC and owns a strong finish rate in wins. Barcelos has been finished only twice in his last 10+ fights and boasts a well-rounded 48% decision win rate in the UFC. The bout was targeted and confirmed in early March 2026.

FIGHT ODDS

Montel Jackson                 – 165

Raoni Barcelos                  + 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 24, 2026

UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Davey Grant (17-8-0) vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti (17-1-0)

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UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Davey Grant (17-8-0) vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti (17-1-0)

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal (UFC Vegas 116)
Bantamweight Bout – Main Card
Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Main Card: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Paramount+

Fight Context and Fighter Records

This bantamweight showdown pits UFC veteran Davey Grant against highly-touted Contender Series graduate Adrian Luna Martinetti in a classic experience-vs-youth matchup on the main card. Grant, the 40-year-old Englishman nicknamed “Dangerous,” is a durable striker looking to prove he still belongs at the highest level. Luna Martinetti, the 30-year-old Ecuadorian prospect, enters on a 15-fight win streak and makes his Octagon debut after an impressive DWCS performance. A win for Luna could vault him into the rankings conversation immediately, while Grant sees this as a prime opportunity for a Fight of the Night bonus and a statement victory.

Current records (as of April 2026):

Davey Grant (“Dangerous”): 17-8-0 overall, 8-7-0 in the UFC.

Adrian Luna Martinetti: 17-1-0 overall, 0-0-0 in the UFC (15-fight win streak; only loss in 2017).

Recent Form

Grant: The veteran has shown flashes of his old self but mixed results lately. He earned back-to-back unanimous decisions over Da’Mon Blackshear (July 2025) and Ramon Taveras (December 2024) with high-volume striking and footwork, but was submitted via guillotine by Charles Jourdain in October 2025. Grant remains a busy pressure fighter who absorbs damage well for his age, though his chin has been tested more in recent years. He averages solid striking output and looks to make this a stand-up war.

Luna Martinetti: The DWCS standout is on an absolute tear. He earned a hard-fought unanimous decision over Mark Vologdin in October 2025 on Dana White’s Contender Series (arguably one of the best DWCS fights ever), showcasing elite volume (11.00 SLpM at 65% accuracy) and well-rounded skills. Prior regional wins included multiple first-round finishes by KO/TKO and submission. His only career loss came nearly a decade ago; since then, he has evolved into a high-output striker/grappler with excellent takedown defense and pace.

Injury Report

Davey Grant: Fully healthy with no reported issues. He has looked sharp in open workouts and media sessions leading into the event.

Adrian Luna Martinetti: Fully cleared and healthy for his UFC debut. No injuries or weight-cut concerns noted; he has made weight cleanly in recent bouts. Both fighters are expected to enter at 100% capacity.

Fighter Matchups and Styles

Striking: Luna Martinetti brings superior volume and accuracy (high-output pressure with clean combinations), while Grant relies on veteran footwork, range management, and durability to counter. Grant’s experience could help him weather early storms, but Luna’s pace may overwhelm late.

Grappling: Grant has submission threat (9 career subs) and solid scrambling, but Luna’s 6 submission wins and strong defensive wrestling (plus recent DWCS showing) make this a dangerous area for the veteran.

Pace and Cardio: Luna excels in high-output, three-round wars. Grant has proven deep-gas-tank resilience but is 10 years older and coming off a quick finish loss.

X-Factors: Grant’s Octagon experience (15+ UFC fights) and chin vs. Luna’s momentum, youth, and prospect hype. This has all the makings of a high-action stand-up scrap that could deliver Fight of the Night.

Fight History

First meeting between the two. Grant has never been knocked out in the UFC and owns a well-rounded finish rate. Luna Martinetti is 15-0 since his lone 2017 loss and boasts six first-round finishes in his career. The bout was booked after Luna’s standout DWCS performance.

FIGHT ODDS

Davey Grant                                       + 135

Adrian Luna Martinetti                  – 175

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 24, 2026

UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Rafa Garcia (18-4-0) vs. Alexander Hernandez (18-8-0)

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UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Rafa Garcia (18-4-0) vs. Alexander Hernandez (18-8-0)

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal (UFC Vegas 116)
Lightweight Bout – Main Card
Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Main Card: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Paramount+

Fight Context and Fighter Records

This ranked lightweight clash headlines a deep main card on UFC Vegas 116, with the winner positioning themselves for a step up in the ultra-competitive 155-pound division. Garcia, the Mexican power grappler known as “Gifted,” rides momentum from back-to-back finishes and decisions. Hernandez, the American striker “El Gran Chango,” brings explosive knockout power and is on his longest win streak in years. Both men have shown finishing ability lately, making this a high-stakes matchup that could produce Fight of the Night.

Current records (as of April 2026):

Rafa Garcia (“Gifted”): 18-4-0 overall, 6-4-0 in the UFC (on a two-fight win streak).

Alexander Hernandez (“El Gran Chango”): 18-8-0 overall, 10-7-0 in the UFC (on a four-fight win streak, three finishes).

Recent Form

Garcia: The 31-year-old has rebounded strongly after a 2024 knockout loss to Grant Dawson. He earned a third-round TKO (elbows) over veteran Jared Gordon on September 13, 2025, and followed it with a dominant unanimous decision over Vinc Pichel on March 29, 2025. Garcia averages strong takedown pressure (2.5+ per fight) and has added legitimate KO power to his grappling base, though he can be hittable early.

Hernandez: The 33-year-old is rolling with four straight victories, including three stoppages. Most recently he starched Diego Ferreira in Round 2 (September 13, 2025) and knocked out Chase Hooper in Round 1 (August 16, 2025). He also outpointed Kurt Holobaugh earlier in 2025. Hernandez’s output is violent and forward-moving, but he has historically been vulnerable to sustained wrestling and volume in deeper waters.

Injury Report

Rafa Garcia: Fully healthy. No reported injuries or weight-cut issues. He has looked sharp in open workouts and media availability this week.

Alexander Hernandez: Fully cleared and healthy. Hernandez addressed a recent off-duty false accusation of fight-fixing (which was dropped with no charges or UFC discipline), but he has confirmed zero physical setbacks and has made weight cleanly in recent bouts. Both fighters are expected to enter 100% ready.

Fighter Matchups and Styles

Striking: Hernandez holds the clear edge in power, speed, and one-punch KO threat (multiple first-round finishes recently). Garcia is more technical at range with a crisp jab and body work but prefers to close distance.

Grappling: Garcia is elite here — strong chain wrestling, top control, and submission threat (9 career subs). Hernandez’s takedown defense has improved but remains around 60%; he scrambles well but can be worn down.

Pace and Cardio: Garcia excels in extended fights and has never been finished in his last six UFC bouts except once. Hernandez thrives in chaos and early exchanges but has faded late in past losses.

X-Factors: Garcia’s grappling vs. Hernandez’s explosive finishing ability. This is a classic wrestler-striker clash where early danger meets late control.

Fight History

First meeting between the two. Garcia has never been submitted in the UFC and owns a 55% finish rate. Hernandez has been finished only three times in his last 10 fights but has evolved into a more dangerous finisher since 2024. The bout was added to the card in recent weeks and fits perfectly as a high-action main-card opener.

FIGHT ODDS

Rafa Garcia                                         – 160

Alexander Hernandez                    + 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 24, 2026

UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Norma Dumont (13-2-0) vs. Joselyne Edwards (17-6-0)

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UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Norma Dumont (13-2-0) vs. Joselyne Edwards (17-6-0)

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal (UFC Vegas 116)
Women’s Bantamweight Bout – Co-Main Event
Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Main Card: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Paramount+

Fight Context and Fighter Records

This ranked women’s bantamweight clash serves as the co-main event on a stacked UFC Vegas 116 card headlined by Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal. Both fighters enter on impressive win streaks in a division searching for the next title contender. Dumont, the Brazilian veteran ranked inside the top 6, brings elite grappling and volume striking. Edwards, the No. 11-ranked Panamanian power puncher and finisher, has transformed into one of the most dangerous strikers/grapplers in the weight class. A win here for either could fast-track them toward a top-5 matchup or even title contention later in 2026.

2025-26 records entering the bout:

Norma Dumont (“The Immortal”): 13-2-0 overall, 9-2-0 in the UFC (on a six-fight win streak).

Joselyne Edwards (“La Pantera”): 17-6-0 overall, 8-4-0 in the UFC (on a four-fight win streak, all finishes).

Recent Form

Dumont: The 35-year-old has evolved into a low-risk, high-volume decision machine under her current coaching. She earned a hard-fought split decision over Ketlen Vieira in November 2025, followed by unanimous decisions over Irene Aldana (September 2024) and Germaine de Randamie (April 2024). Her recent performances emphasize control, striking volume (3.89 significant strikes per minute landed at 50% accuracy), and elite takedown defense (68%). She absorbs very little damage (2.12 strikes per minute) and has yet to be finished in the UFC.

Edwards: The 30-year-old has caught fire, securing four consecutive stoppages (two KOs, two submissions) since early 2025. Most recently, she slammed and submitted Nora Cornolle via rear-naked choke in Round 2 at UFC Houston in February 2026 (opponent suffered a shoulder injury in the process). Edwards averages higher output (4.61 significant strikes per minute at 53% accuracy) and brings explosive power, though she absorbs more (3.24 strikes per minute) and has been vulnerable to wrestling in the past. Her finishing rate in recent bouts makes her a massive threat early.

Injury Report

Norma Dumont: Fully healthy. No reported injuries or issues from media day. She was originally scheduled to face Yana Santos (who withdrew with an undisclosed injury), but Dumont has shown no ill effects from the short-notice opponent change.

Joselyne Edwards: Fully healthy and cleared. Edwards has made weight cleanly in her last three bouts and reported no lingering issues from her February finish. Both fighters participated in open media workouts this week with no red flags.

Fighter Matchups and Styles

Striking: Edwards holds the edge in power and finishing threat, but Dumont is the more technical and volume-oriented striker with superior defense. Dumont’s jab and low kicks should control range; Edwards will look to close distance with hooks and overhands.

Grappling: Dumont is the superior wrestler (56% takedown accuracy, 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes) and has strong top control. Edwards has improved her scrambling and submission game (four recent finishes include two subs), but her takedown defense sits at 61%.

Pace and Cardio: Dumont excels in deep waters and has never been finished in the UFC. Edwards has shown improved gas tank in recent wins but thrives in chaotic, early exchanges.

X-Factors: Dumont’s experience against top competition vs. Edwards’ momentum and “anything can happen” finishing ability. This is a classic grappler-vs-finisher matchup that could go the distance or end abruptly.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between the two. Dumont has never been knocked out or submitted in the UFC. Edwards has been finished only twice in her last 10 fights but has evolved significantly since those losses. The bout was originally booked as Dumont vs. Yana Santos before the late replacement.

FIGHT ODDS

Norma Dumont                – 200

Joselyne Edwards            + 155

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 24, 2026

UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Aljamain Sterling (25-5-0) vs. Youssef Zalal (18-5-1)

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UFC Vegas 116 MMA Match Preview: Aljamain Sterling (25-5-0) vs. Youssef Zalal (18-5-1)

Event: UFC Vegas 116: Sterling vs. Zalal

Main Card Start Time: 5:00 PM PDT

Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada

This marks the UFC’s return to the APEX for a high‑stakes featherweight main event featuring a former champion versus a streaking contender.

Injury & Availability Report

No injuries have been reported for either fighter in the lead‑up to UFC Vegas 116. Both Sterling and Zalal completed media week obligations and are fully cleared for competition. (No explicit injury notes appear in any sourced reporting.)

Fighter Matchup Breakdown

Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling (#5 Featherweight)

Record: 25‑5

Recent Form:

Defeated Brian Ortega via dominant unanimous decision at UFC Shanghai.

Lost to Movsar Evloev at UFC 310.

2–1 since moving to featherweight.

Experience Edge:

22 UFC fights vs. Zalal’s 12.

84 professional rounds—31 more than Zalal.

Four career 25‑minute fights; Zalal has never gone past three rounds.

Skill Profile:

Elite wrestling pedigree: 50 career UFC takedowns, multiple fights with 3+ takedowns.

Former UFC bantamweight champion with nearly 900 days atop the division.

Youssef “The Moroccan Devil” Zalal (#7 Featherweight)

Record: Surging with an eight‑fight winning streak spanning 1,200+ days.

Recent Form:

Submitted Josh Emmett in 98 seconds at UFC 320.

Dominated Calvin Kattar prior to that.

Career Arc:

Cut from UFC after 0‑3‑1 run; returned in 2024 and has been flawless since.

Wins over Emmett, Kattar, and Jack Shore.

Style Notes:

High fight IQ, rangy striking, improved grappling.

Predicts the fight won’t go five rounds due to stylistic chaos.

Betting Trends & Analytical Angles

Why Bettors Lean Zalal

Riding a long win streak with multiple finishes.

Younger, faster, and more dynamic at this stage.

Sterling has fought only three times since 2023 due to UFC‑management friction.

Why Sterling Is Still Live

Massive experience advantage.

Proven championship durability and five‑round cardio.

Superior wrestling and control metrics.

FIGHT ODDS

Aljamain Sterling             + 120

Youssef Zalal                      – 140

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 24, 2026

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