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
