MMA Match Preview: Marlon Vera (23-10-1) vs. Aiemann Zahabi  (13-2)

Venue & Fight Details

Event: UFC Fight Night 262: de Ridder vs. Allen

Bout: Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi – Bantamweight (135 lbs), 3 rounds

Location: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Time: Main Card, approx. 9:00 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ESPN+ (U.S.), TSN (Canada), UFC Fight Pass (International)

Fighter Records & Recent Form

Marlon Vera (Ecuador, 23-10-1): Former title challenger, known for switch-stance striking, durability, and late-fight surges. Vera is 2-3 in his last five, including a decision loss to Sean O’Malley in a title fight and a rebound win over Pedro Munhoz.

Aiemann Zahabi (Canada, 13-2-0): Fighting out of Tristar Gym, Zahabi is on a 4-fight winning streak, including a controversial decision over Jose Aldo. Known for his tactical discipline, counter-striking, and defensive awareness.

Recent Form (last 5 fights):

Vera: L–W–L–L–W

Zahabi: W–W–W–W–L

Injury Report

Both fighters enter with no reported injuries and completed full training camps.

Key Matchups

Striking: Vera’s switch-stance volume and leg kicks vs. Zahabi’s orthodox precision and counter-punching.

Grappling: Vera has 8 career submissions and strong clinch work; Zahabi is more defensive but well-schooled in grappling fundamentals.

Durability: Vera is notoriously hard to finish, while Zahabi has only been stopped once in his career.

Series History

First-ever meeting between Vera and Zahabi.

Vera is 15-9 in UFC competition, with wins over legends like Frankie Edgar and Dominick Cruz.

Zahabi is 5-1 in the UFC, steadily climbing the bantamweight ladder.

Betting Trends

Vera has gone to decision in 4 of his last 6 fights.

Zahabi has won 3 of his last 4 by decision.

Bantamweight fights historically go the distance 65% of the time.

FIGHT ODDS

Marlon Vera                       – 175

Aiemann Zahabi               + 150

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, October 17, 2025