Aiemann Zahabi just made a statement with a courageous victory over the legendary Jose Aldo at UFC 315 in his native Canada. While the fight is surrounded by controversy, Zahabi’s performance cannot be questioned, as he survived the disastrous knockdown in the third round and managed to turn things around.
The judges gave Zahabi the nod in the second and third rounds, yet many think Aldo should have gotten the decision that night. According to the official UFC stats, Zahabi outstruck Aldo by a single strike in the most controversial second round. 16 out of the 20 independent journalists gave the edge to the Brazilian.
Even a razor-close win over a legend like Aldo is a huge feather in the cap for any fighter. Speaking of feathers: the bout was originally supposed to be in the bantamweight division (135 pounds), but when Aldo didn’t make the limit, it was transitioned to featherweight (145 pounds). Zahabi has stated that he wanted to “start slower” against a man who dehydrated eight pounds less than himself.
The 38-year-old Aldo then retired in the cage for the second time. Already in the Hall of Fame, the Brazilian didn’t get the retirement video post-fight, which is an absolute shame considering UFC has been so heavy on those as of late. “I don’t think I have it anymore,” the former champion stated.
Happy retirement, Aldo.
Zahabi, while in the best position in his career, is 37 years old and is only coming up at the moment. At the bantamweight division, it is considered the tail end of one’s run, so his potential to be at the top is vague.
In the weight class, where most of the up-coming guys are in their twenties, Zahabi is the odd one out, being merely a year younger than his already-retired opponent. The 20-year-old Raul Rosas Jr. is one of Zahabi’s fellow prospects, and the Canadian is almost twice Rosas’s age.
Zahabi just had his best career victory, yet it is being overshadowed by the dispute regarding the judges’ decision and the bigger question about his run. What is next for the 37-year-old?
In Zahabi’s position, it would be smart to push for a tight schedule, trying to move up the ranks as fast as reasonably possible. With a team of his brother Firas and the all-time great Georges St-Pierre, the Canadian surely can be trusted to make the right decision for his career.
Image Credit: Eric Bolte/Imagn Images
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