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
