MMA Match Preview: Aiemann Zahabi (12-2, 4-1 UFC) vs. Jose Aldo (32-9, 15-8 UFC)
Date: May 10, 2025
Event: UFC 315
Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada
Division: Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Broadcast: ESPN+ Pay-Per-View
Fight Overview
UFC 315 features a high-stakes bantamweight showdown between Aiemann Zahabi (12-2, 4-1 UFC) and José Aldo (32-9, 15-8 UFC). This matchup is being billed as a battle of generations, with Aldo—one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history—looking to prove he still belongs at the elite level, while Zahabi aims to secure a career-defining victory in front of his hometown crowd in Montreal.
Fighter Profiles
Aiemann Zahabi (“The Quebec Warrior”)
- Record: 12-2 (4-1 UFC)
- Age: 36
- Height: 5’8″
- Reach: 68″
- Fighting Style: Well-rounded striker with strong grappling
- Key Strengths: Precision striking, submission defense, fight IQ
- Recent Fight: Won via unanimous decision against Pedro Munhoz
Zahabi has quietly built momentum, winning three straight fights, including a 64-second knockout of Aori Qileng and decisions over Javid Basharat and Pedro Munhoz. His technical striking and counter-punching could pose problems for Aldo, especially if he can control the pace early.
José Aldo (“Scarface”)
- Record: 32-9 (15-8 UFC)
- Age: 38
- Height: 5’7″
- Reach: 70″
- Fighting Style: Muay Thai striker with elite takedown defense
- Key Strengths: Leg kicks, boxing, defensive grappling
- Recent Fight: Lost via split decision to Mario Bautista
Aldo, a two-time UFC featherweight champion, briefly retired in 2022 before returning to MMA in 2024. He secured an impressive win over Jonathan Martinez but suffered a controversial split-decision loss to Bautista, making this fight a must-win for his legacy.
Statistical Comparison
| Fighter | Strikes Landed Per Minute | Striking Accuracy | Takedown Average | Takedown Defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 4.06 | 46% | 0.16 per 15 min | 83% |
| José Aldo | 3.62 | 46% | 0.49 per 15 min | 92% |
Aldo has the edge in takedown defense, but Zahabi’s higher striking volume could be a factor.
Fight Breakdown & Prediction
1. Can Zahabi Handle Aldo’s Pressure?
Aldo is known for his fast starts, often overwhelming opponents with leg kicks and boxing combinations. If Zahabi can weather the early storm, he could take control in the later rounds.
2. Aldo’s Experience vs. Zahabi’s Momentum
Aldo has faced elite competition for over a decade, while Zahabi is still proving himself against top-tier opponents. If Aldo can dictate the pace, he should have the advantage.
FIGHT ODDS
Aiemann Zahabi + 180
Jose Aldo – 220
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 9, 2025
