Welterweights battle in late addition to Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal UFC Fight Night card

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 23: A general view of the Octagon prior to the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on March 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images A UFC welterweight veteran is set to welcome a promotional newcomer to the octagon. Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Max Griffin faces Victor Valenzuela at UFC Vegas 116, which takes place April 25 at the META Apex in Las Vegas.

Griffin looks to get back in the win column as he makes his 19th promotional appearance. “Pain” is currently riding a two-fight skid following a submission loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC 310 in December 2014, and a split decision loss to Chris Curtis at UFC Nashville this past July. Griffin’s most recent octagon win was a split decision victory against Jeremiah Wells at UFC Vegas 86 in February 2024.

Valenzuela makes his UFC debut coming off of a second-round stoppage win Lemino Shooto 4 in Japan in March. The 32-year-old has won seven of his past eight fights, with the lone loss coming via knockout to Michael Oliveira on Dana White’s Contender Series this past October. “Psicosis,” a former Fury FC interim welterweight titleholder, has also competed for LFA and Combate Global.

UFC Vegas 116 is headlined by a pivotal featherweight clash between former world champ Aljamain Sterling and surging contender Youssef Zalal.