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FightIQ Model Predictions

UFC Vegas 116 : Sterling vs Zalal

UFC Fight Night · Featherweight Main Event

April 25, 2026 · UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada · Main Card 7:00 PM ET / 12:00 AM BST · Prelims 4:00 PM ET

12
Fights
5
Main Card
7
Prelims
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Predictions are live — results updated after the event

Counterfactual Matchups

The same fights, but with alternate primes / dates / weight-class shifts. Each variant is a separate model run on the V14 ensemble — conversation pieces, not predictions.

FeatherweightAljamain Sterling vs Youssef Zalal
BASELINE (BOTH CURRENT)
Aljamain Sterling: Current · Youssef Zalal: Current

The model picks Aljamain Sterling with a 54% probability based on a unanimous four-way ensemble. The model favours Sterling due to a higher Elo Rating Gap, a larger Experience Gap, and a superior Strength of Schedule. Additionally, the model identifies a positive Avg Fight Duration Gap for Sterling.

commentary by gemma4:26b
LR
52%
XGB
57%
LGB
60%
CB
52%
KO
21.3%SUB
11.2%DEC
67.5%
53.9%
Aljamain Sterling
Model Win Probability
UNANIMOUS 4WAY WEAK
STERLING AT PEAK ELO VS
Aljamain Sterling: Prime (2023-05-06) · Youssef Zalal: Current

The model favours Aljamain Sterling based on a unanimous consensus across all four sub-models. This preference is driven by a significant Elo Rating Gap of +147 points and a higher Strength of Schedule. Additionally, the model identifies a Striking Index Gap of +13.34 in favor of Sterling.

commentary by gemma4:26b
LR
58%
XGB
58%
LGB
73%
CB
60%
KO
21.9%SUB
18.8%DEC
59.2%
60.8%
Aljamain Sterling
Model Win Probability
UNANIMOUS 4WAY
STERLING CURRENT VS ZALA
Aljamain Sterling: Current · Youssef Zalal: Prime (2025-10-04)

The model picks Aljamain Sterling with a 54% probability based on a unanimous consensus from the four sub-models. The model favours Sterling due to his advantages in Elo Rating Gap, Strength of Schedule, and Experience Gap. Additionally, the model identifies a positive Avg Fight Duration Gap for Sterling.

commentary by gemma4:26b
LR
52%
XGB
57%
LGB
60%
CB
52%
KO
21.3%SUB
11.2%DEC
67.5%
53.9%
Aljamain Sterling
Model Win Probability
UNANIMOUS 4WAY WEAK
LightweightRafa Garcia vs Alexander Hernandez
BASELINE (BOTH CURRENT)
Rafa Garcia: Current · Alexander Hernandez: Current

The model picks Rafa Garcia with a 56% probability based on a unanimous consensus from the four sub-models. The model favours Garcia due to his advantages in Average Fight Duration Gap, Control Time Gap, and Output. Additionally, the model identifies a positive Striker vs Grappler Matchup edge for Garcia.

commentary by gemma4:26b
LR
53%
XGB
60%
LGB
59%
CB
57%
KO
27.7%SUB
17.4%DEC
54.9%
55.9%
Rafa Garcia
Model Win Probability
UNANIMOUS 4WAY WEAK
GARCIA AT PEAK ELO VS HE
Rafa Garcia: Prime (2025-09-13) · Alexander Hernandez: Current

The model picks Rafa Garcia with a 56% probability based on a unanimous consensus from the four sub-models. The model favours Garcia due to his advantages in the Striking Index Gap, Control Time Gap, and the Striker vs Grappler Matchup. Additionally, the model identifies a positive edge for Garcia in Average Fight Duration Gap.

commentary by gemma4:26b
LR
53%
XGB
60%
LGB
59%
CB
57%
KO
27.7%SUB
17.4%DEC
54.9%
55.9%
Rafa Garcia
Model Win Probability
UNANIMOUS 4WAY WEAK