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

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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

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Profile: A seasoned combat‑sports analyst with a deep understanding of the tactical, technical, and promotional forces that shape modern MMA and boxing. This columnist delivers comprehensive coverage that blends fight‑film study, statistical insight, and industry context to break down matchups, rising contenders, and the evolving landscape of global combat sports. Background: With extensive experience covering major promotions, championship bouts, and regional circuits, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms focused on fighter development, coaching philosophies, and matchmaking strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term career trajectories across weight classes and organizations. Signature Coverage Areas: Fight previews and stylistic matchups Technical breakdowns of striking, grappling, and defensive systems Prospect scouting, rankings analysis, and divisional movement Promotional strategy, business trends, and event‑building dynamics Historical context, legacy discussions, and championship narratives Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex techniques, tactical adjustments, and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time fight fans and new followers of combat sports. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the discipline, strategy, and global reach of MMA and boxing.