Aiemann Zahabi

Zahabi edged former title challenger Marlon 'Chito' Vera by split decision (two judges 29-28, one for Vera) in a closely contested bantamweight bout in Vancouver. Vera pressed forward and worked leg kicks, but Zahabi's sharper counters and a strong second round carried him to the nod and extended his streak to seven. Vera publicly claimed he was robbed.

Key moments

• Vera pressured early with leg kicks and a combination that briefly stunned Zahabi in round one
• Zahabi opened a cut over Vera's eyebrow with hooks and backed him to the cage in round two
• Round three was a back-and-forth firefight with both men trading to the final bell
• Scored 29-28, 29-28 Zahabi and 29-28 Vera for a split-decision win

In a featherweight catch-up fight at UFC 315 in Montreal, Zahabi survived a third-round knockdown to take a unanimous decision (29-28 x3) over the legendary José Aldo in a bloody back-and-forth. Aldo dropped him with a right hand and knee but punched himself out, and Zahabi rallied with close-range combinations and ground-and-pound elbows. The verdict drew controversy and Aldo announced his retirement afterward.

Key moments

• Fought at featherweight, above Zahabi's usual bantamweight class
• Aldo floored Zahabi with a right hand and knee early in round three
• Zahabi recovered, dragged Aldo down and landed elbows to swing momentum back
• Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28); Aldo retired after the loss

Zahabi outpointed veteran Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) on the Edmonton prelims, behind an economical jab and airtight takedown defense. He out-landed Munhoz 95-82 in significant strikes and stuffed all six of Munhoz's takedown attempts. It was his fifth straight win and a push toward the rankings.

Key moments

• Controlled distance with the jab and front kicks to the body
• Stuffed all six of Munhoz's takedown attempts
• Out-landed Munhoz 95-82 in significant strikes
• Won 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 on the cards

As a heavy underdog (reported as much as 20-1 at one book), Zahabi handed the previously unbeaten Javid Basharat the first loss of his career by unanimous decision (29-28 x3) at the UFC Apex. He stayed composed against Basharat's in-fight taunting and adjusted to his range over three rounds. The win was a major upset on the prelims.

Key moments

• Entered as a roughly 9-to-1 betting underdog
• Handed Basharat the first loss of his pro career
• Stayed composed despite Basharat taunting him mid-fight
• Swept the cards 29-28, 29-28, 29-28

In a homecoming bout in Vancouver after an 11-month layoff, Zahabi flattened Aoriqileng with a looping left hook just over a minute into round one. He began a walk-off celebration, and referee John Cooper waved it off at 1:04 after a touch more follow-up. It was his third straight win and his most emphatic finish of the run.

Key moments

• First fight back after an 11-month layoff, in his home country
• Landed a looping left hook flush on the chin
• Started a walk-off celebration before the stoppage
• Officially waved off at 1:04 of round one