Aiemann Zahabi Record: 14-3-0

The climb up the rankings

Zahabi answered with a defining run. In February 2021 he knocked out Drako Rodriguez with a single punch in the first round, then out-pointed former TUF winner Ricky Turcios by unanimous decision in July 2022. He continued building in June 2023 at UFC 289 with a first-round knockout of Aoriqileng, then handed unbeaten prospect Javid Basharat his first loss by unanimous decision in March 2024 and edged veteran Pedro Munhoz that November. The signature win came in May 2025 at UFC 315, where he out-worked legend José Aldo over three rounds for a unanimous decision, before scoring a split-decision nod over Marlon Vera in October 2025. The streak ended in June 2026 when former champion Sean O'Malley stopped him with second-round punches.

Fighting style

Zahabi is a cerebral, well-rounded fighter whose finish breakdown – 6 KOs, 2 submissions and 6 decisions across his wins, with a finish rate around 57% – reflects a competitor who can end a fight with one shot but is just as comfortable banking rounds. His Tristar pedigree shows in his disciplined footwork, counter-striking and grappling literacy, and his best stretch was defined by his ability to out-think proven veterans rather than overwhelm them. His vulnerabilities have come against elite power and high-volume pressure, with both his knockout losses arriving against the division's heaviest hitters.

Career highlights

• Decision win over José Aldo — out-pointed the all-time great over three rounds at UFC 315, the marquee victory of his career.
• Six-fight UFC win streak — strung together wins from Drako Rodriguez through Marlon Vera to climb into the bantamweight rankings.
• Spoiler of the unbeaten — handed previously undefeated prospect Javid Basharat his first professional loss.