José Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi Preview
José Aldo and Aiemann Zahabi clash at UFC 315 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on May 10th in an exciting bantamweight contest. Aldo, the former featherweight king, is looking to prove he still belongs among the elite after a mixed return to action. Meanwhile, Zahabi enters the biggest fight of his career riding a five-fight win streak and eager to break into the division’s top tier.
Aldo is a certified legend of the sport, but with 41 professional fights behind him, the question remains whether time will finally catch up. Can Zahabi seize the moment and notch a career-defining win, or will the veteran’s experience and striking brilliance turn back the clock once again?
José Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi Predictions
One of our best MMA predictions is for José Aldo to win this fight. Aldo wound back the years when he returned from a mini-retirement to defeat Jonathan Martinez last May. He dominated the then-30-year-old, winning all three rounds on each judge’s scorecard. A fighting fit Aldo is still one of the most dangerous in the division, and he will bounce back in Montreal.
The intrigue comes from Aldo showing signs of slowing down after 41 professional fights. Zahabi is far less battle-scarred, despite being just a year younger. However, things soured for the Brazilian after losing a controversial split decision to Mario Bautista the following October. Does he still have what it takes 11 years after his MMA debut?
This fight will be a straight stand-and-bang contest, somewhere Aldo thrives. Both men are comfortable standing in the pocket and exchanging. However, Junior’s Muay Thai kicking is what will give him the edge. Fights like these are often decided by who can throw off the rhythm of the other, decode reads, and disrupt head movement. The threat of Aldo’s kicks gives him a tremendous advantage in those three metrics.
Aldo will lead proceedings in this fight, using low kicks and feints to keep Zahabi guessing. By targeting Zahabi’s lead leg, Aldo can compromise his mobility and disrupt his rhythm. Additionally, Aldo’s ability to control distance with his jab and counter-striking will be crucial in neutralising Zahabi’s offence. His defensive head movement and footwork will also play a pivotal role in evading Zahabi’s attacks. He can keep the pressure on for three rounds and stop Zahabi from getting into a striking rhythm.
Zahabi is a skilled boxer, but Aldo is one of the best. The Brazilian’s kryptonite has been volume and cardio in losses to Petr Yan and Max Holloway, but Zahabi isn’t known for either. We’ve seen some great one-punch KO’s from the Canadian, but not frequently enough to consider him a hard hitter. Junior can outbox his opponent and score with his low kicks on the way to a decision win.
However, Aldo was vocal about how disappointing his performance was against Bautista. We have not seen signs of him slowing down yet, but at his age and with the number of fights on his CV, there is always a chance we see it in his next fight. He has to let his hands go more in this fight to prevent doubt in the judges’ minds. That is something we have seen older fighters struggle to do. If Zahabi can get through this fight in a higher gear than Aldo, we could see the Brazilian sleepwalk into another decision loss.
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We may see Zahabi wrestle more than we are used to from him in this fight. Bautista and Merab Dvalishvili defeated the Brazilian by tying him in clinches and slowing down the fight. Zahabi is not as strong as either of those two, but he can still use the clinch to prevent Junior from firing back. However, Aldo can utilise his low kicks to stop the Canadian from stepping in.
José Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi Fight Outcome
Aldo’s striking prowess, particularly his low kicks, and his defensive skills will probably be the deciding factors in this bout. If Aldo can establish his striking early and maintain control of the distance, he should be able to secure a victory over Zahabi. However, the Brazilian has to be more active in this fight than he was against Bautista. Zahabi is a talented boxer and is comfortable exchanging in the pocket. If Aldo can maintain volume for three rounds, he can earn a decision win.
Zahabi isn’t a volume puncher, so he must find a way to slow Aldo down and prevent him from throwing counters. He will probably use clinches to do that. That’s how Bautista and Dvalishvili, before him, neutralised the Brazilian’s striking. However, Aldo is an excellent defensive wrestler. Zahabi is not on the grappling level of those two fighters, and Aldo should be able to deal with any attempts to wrestle.
José Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi Betting Tips
- Fight Result – José Aldo to win: A bet on Aldo to bounce back in this fight is worth 8/17. He is the better boxer in a fight that will probably be a slip and rip on the feet. His added kicking weapons give him another edge, and we think Junior will win this fight after his disappointment in his last bout. However, Aiemann Zahabi must not be underestimated, and he is on a five-fight win streak. A bet on Zahabi is worth 8/5 for anyone who thinks he can upset the odds.
- Method of Victory – Aldo via decision: We think this fight goes to the judges’ scorecards, despite it being a stand-up contest. Aldo has not been finished since 2020, and Zahabi not since 2017. Neither man possesses spectacular knockout power, and nine of their last 10 combined fights have gone to a decision. Back the Brazilian to win via decision, worth 9/10 with our online sportsbook.
- Takedowns – Aiemann Zahabi 1+ Takedowns: This is our best longshot bet for anyone betting on the UFC. We have not seen Zahabi test his wrestling since his defeat to Vince Morales in 2019. However, we think he will need to utilise it here to slow Junior down and throw his rhythm off. Bet on Zahabi to land 1+ takedown, worth 6/1.
José Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi Head-To-Head and Key Stats
Aldo Fighter Stats
José Aldo is one of the most accomplished featherweights in MMA history. He began his career in 2004 and quickly rose to prominence, capturing the WEC Featherweight Championship in 2008 and becoming the inaugural UFC Featherweight Champion in 2010. Aldo defended his UFC title seven times, setting a record for consecutive defences in the division.
His reign was interrupted in 2015 by a 13-second knockout loss to Conor McGregor, after which he struggled to maintain consistency. However, Aldo rediscovered his form in 2020 with impressive wins over Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz, and Rob Font. After a decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili, Aldo briefly retired before returning to defeat Jonathan Martinez. He most recently dropped a close split decision to Mario Bautista.
Known for his sharp boxing and devastating leg kicks, Aldo’s striking has long been a defining strength. His ability to control range and dictate tempo remains elite. With a 32-9 record and a 2023 UFC Hall of Fame induction, Aldo’s legacy is secure, but he’s still out to prove there’s more left in the tank.
Aldo’s Previous Five Fights
- Lost: Mario Bautista, via Split Decision (RD 3)
- Won: Jonathan Martinez, via Unanimous Decision (RD 3)
- Lost: Merab Dvalishvili, via Unanimous Decision (RD 3)
- Won: Rob Font, via Unanimous Decision (RD 5)
- Won: Pedro Munhoz, via Unanimous Decision (RD 3)
Zahabi Fighter Stats
Aiemann Zahabi is a Canadian bantamweight with a well-rounded skill set and a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling. He began his MMA career in 2012 and made his UFC debut in 2017. After a slow start in the promotion, going 1-2 in his first three bouts, Zahabi has found his stride and enters this fight on a five-fight win streak.
During that run, he has delivered highlight-reel knockouts and showcased his technical boxing and composure in the cage. His most recent and biggest win came against veteran Pedro Munhoz, earning him a spot in the UFC bantamweight top 15 for the first time.
Zahabi is known for his sharp striking, measured pace, and solid grappling, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. He often controls the tempo of fights with his precision and tactical approach. Now holding a 12-2 record, Zahabi faces his toughest test yet in José Aldo. This is an opportunity that could catapult him into the division’s top 10.
Zahabi’s Previous Five Fights
- Won: Pedro Munhoz, via Unanimous Decision (RD 3)
- Won: Javid Basharat, via Unanimous Decision (RD 3)
- Won: Aori Qileng, via KO (RD 1)
- Won: Ricky Turcios, via Unanimous Decision (RD 3)
- Won: Drako Rodriguez, via KO (RD 1)
