Career Averages - Sean O'Malley
Career Averages - Aiemann Zahabi
Sean O'Malley - Fight History
AJ thinks O'Malley will be too fast for Zahabi, out-boxing and out-kickboxing him. He notes Zahabi is a pressure boxer who is slower and worse at everything O'Malley does, and doesn't bring a serious wrestling threat. He expects O'Malley to get his win streak going.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 48 of 92 | 52% | 67 of 111 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 36 of 94 | 38% | 69 of 130 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 22 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 23 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 7 of 20 | 35% | 20 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 34 of 53 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:28 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 25 of 46 | 54% | 25 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 12 of 40 | 30% | 12 of 40 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 48 of 92 | 52% | 23 of 53 | 16 of 28 | 9 of 11 | 48 of 92 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 36 of 94 | 38% | 15 of 55 | 2 of 6 | 19 of 33 | 36 of 94 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 16 of 26 | 61% | 6 of 13 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 5 | 16 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 10 of 23 | 43% | 0 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 15 | 10 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 7 of 20 | 35% | 1 of 8 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 14 of 31 | 45% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 10 | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 25 of 46 | 54% | 16 of 32 | 5 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 25 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 12 of 40 | 30% | 7 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 8 | 12 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: O’Malley (-205), Song (+170)
Round 1
A bantamweight striker’s delight will treat fans in the co-headliner, as O'Malley (18-3, 1 NC; 10-3, 1 NC UFC) looks to get back on championship track. He will face off against underrated Team Alpha Male product Song (22-8-1, 1 NC; 11-3-1 UFC), whose only losses in the Octagon after 15 walks are to Kyler Phillips, Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan. The third man in the cage tonight for this one will be referee Herb Dean, and gloves are touched before they start to fly.
Immediately after the touch, Song lets fly a low kick that O'Malley just stares at. O'Malley advances, peeling back right before reaching his opponent, and does this a couple times. Song kicks him in the front leg again a few times, and O'Malley answers with one back. The two bounce back and forth without throwing much for a good 30 seconds, until Song springs into action with a few punches. O'Malley potshots him with a left after Song completes his volley, but he cannot get out of the way of the oncoming kick and swarming offense. They trade spinning kicks, skimming them off one another, with O'Malley’s to the body the more effective. O'Malley jabs with front kicks to the body to stave off Song, who is slowly works his way in.
Song kicks the front leg and scores a right on the outside, only for O'Malley to counter him back. The result is a lot of tit-for-tat offense, where one man lands and the other tries to pay him back. Song rushes out with a left hand, and O'Malley digs a couple strikes to the body. Song walks through a front kick to lash out at the lead wheel of the Montanan, and he tries to corner O'Malley but cannot quite get a bead on his movement. Song drives home another hefty kick, and he charges in for a takedown attempt and puts O'Malley on his back. O'Malley defends with a guillotine choke, and when that fails, O'Malley shrugs to someone as if he thinks he should immediately be stood back up. Song grinds him out for the remainder of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Song
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 2
Like the previous round, Song starts off with a glove touch and a calf kick. When O'Malley stumbles from the kick, Song tries to take advantage of it, and he just misses with a spinning back fist. Song walks through a front kick to plant a right hand on the forehead, and O'Malley no-sells it and looks for a counter. Song bounces in with a left hand and a high kick, and O'Malley slides away and responds with a body shot. Song goes to the front leg again, with O'Malley switching stances and taking damage on both as welts and redness are present on both legs. Song pounds the former champ with a left hand, shooting in for a single that he uses to drag O'Malley to a knee. O'Malley wall-walks to get back up with Song’s hands wrapped around his waist, and he elbows Song’s arms in hopes of breaking the grip.
Song knees the back of the thigh repeatedly, and he grabs the fence to reposition himself and then holds his arm low to defend some of the knee strikes. Song sweeps his post arm, and he transitions to a double and hits it while O'Malley looks for a guillotine, and the Team Alpha Male-trained athlete easily breaks out of it to establish top control. When O'Malley scoots back to his feet, Song follows him and hammers his front leg before blasting him in the face with a left hand. O'Malley jabs and gets countered by an overhand right, but it is his low kick that most gets O'Malley’s attention. Song loads up on power punches as he walks down the pink-shorted athlete, and O'Malley is able to sway and evade the worst of them. O'Malley gets off a body kick, and Song kicks the leg once before the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Song
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 3
O'Malley knows that an advancing Song is coming to strike him, so he makes sure to get out of the way before it can get to him. Song does not throw it, instead pawing out his jab to set up his looping right hooks that buzz the tower repeatedly. O'Malley jabs him to the belly, and his leg gets kicked hard. Song points to his leg after checking a kick, as if to taunt O'Malley for throwing it. He then chambers and fires multiple strong low kicks, ignoring a couple left hooks that catch him at least partially when he is off-balance. O'Malley sticks his foe with a right, and he slips away from the increasingly telegraphed counter. Song continues to chase down “Suga Sean,” darting after a takedown and pulling back when it is not there. O'Malley busts up Song’s nose to start it trickling down the mouth, and he does not register it as he stays within kickboxing range practically the whole time.
O'Malley flashes out jabs to the head and body, and he stuffs a takedown as boos rain down. Song just misses on a looping left hand, and he pushes out a right and dings O'Malley when ducking. O'Malley gathers his thoughts and belts the Chinese competitor with a crisp right hand. Song ducks and feints his way forward, coming out behind left hooks while O'Malley is the quicker, more direct striker with less arc on his swings. Song keeps walking the former champ down, and he misses by an inch with a spinning back elbow. When O'Malley counters him, Song smiles and goes after a takedown. O'Malley tosses him aside and knees him right on the chin, and a bloodied Song just grins and walks forward. O'Malley gets in a left, and he gets Song’s attention further with a right. Song points to the ground to initiate a brawl, and O'Malley motions to flip a coin and then fires off a high kick. The match comes to a close, with the first round likely the difference maker.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Song)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Song)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Song)
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley def. Yadong Song via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Sean O'Malley, arguing that O'Malley's best version (when he was partying and podcasting) would win. He believes O'Malley's clean footwork and accuracy will exploit Yadong's lack of striking defense. He notes Yadong is hittable and throws with power, but O'Malley should pick him apart. He hopes O'Malley returns to his old lifestyle for the win.
Big Brady notes O'Malley's losses came when opponents took him down repeatedly, but Song Yadong averages less than one takedown per 15 minutes. He believes O'Malley is the better striker and will win a striking match. He worries about O'Malley's mentality after two losses to Merab but expects the best version to win by decision.
Cody picks Sean O'Malley but is hesitant due to O'Malley's potential lack of motivation and Song Yadong's durability. He notes O'Malley's length and accuracy should allow him to win the first two rounds, but worries about a gritty third round. He suggests O'Malley by decision as a prop.
Connor also picks O'Malley, emphasizing that Song Yadong is an unimaginative fighter who lacks variety in his approach. He notes that Song's best path to victory (low kicks and wrestling) is possible but unlikely given O'Malley's mobility and range. Connor believes O'Malley's swagger and ability to make opponents hesitant will be key, and that Song's inability to cut off the cage will leave him chasing O'Malley all night.
Daniel Vreeland picks Song Yadong to win by decision. He criticizes O'Malley's recent timidity and reliance on counters, and notes that O'Malley has talked about retirement. Vreeland believes Song has the speed, leg kicks, and wrestling to compete with O'Malley, and that his well-rounded approach and power will be the deciding factors. He also mentions that Song has taken down Peter Yan, which bodes well for his wrestling advantage.
James believes O'Malley is a level above everywhere, with superior fight IQ and striking IQ. He expects O'Malley to stay at range, pot shot, and win via decision. He notes Song's durability but thinks O'Malley's smart game plan will prevail. James also mentions O'Malley's high fight IQ and preparation with Paul Czech.
The host sees this as a favorable matchup for O'Malley, who faces a fellow striker in Song Yadong. He believes O'Malley's striking wizardry, footwork, and trap-setting will allow him to out-strike Yadong and potentially land a knockout. The host notes uncertainty about O'Malley's mentality after two losses but thinks this style matchup will bring back the 'Sugar Show'. He does not see enough value on Yadong to pick the upset.
Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing O'Malley's 5-inch reach advantage and Song Yadong's slow starts. He believes O'Malley will use his footwork and volume to win a decision, though he notes Song's grappling improvements could be a factor. Paul sees O'Malley by decision as the most likely outcome.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley by decision, noting Song Yadong's durability and toughness. He believes O'Malley's reach, kicks, and power will be key, and that Yadong's facial cuts could lead to a stoppage. He predicts a 30-27 decision.
Zane picks O'Malley confidently, noting that Song Yadong is a plodding striker with poor footwork and range management, which plays perfectly into O'Malley's sniping style. He points out that Song has historically struggled against mobile fighters who fight off the back foot (e.g., Kyler Phillips, Cory Sandhagen). Zane also mentions that O'Malley's reach and footwork will make it hard for Song to close distance, and that O'Malley's durability is sufficient to handle Song's power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 52 of 115 | 45% | 141 of 215 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 | 0 | 6:29 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 31 of 57 | 54% | 38 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 17 of 37 | 45% | 48 of 72 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:54 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 16 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 23 of 63 | 36% | 24 of 64 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 19 of 33 | 57% | 19 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 12 of 15 | 80% | 69 of 79 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 | 0 | 4:18 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 52 of 115 | 45% | 33 of 92 | 13 of 14 | 6 of 9 | 29 of 86 | 8 of 10 | 15 of 19 |
| Sean O'Malley | 31 of 57 | 54% | 14 of 35 | 15 of 19 | 2 of 3 | 30 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 17 of 37 | 45% | 10 of 30 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 7 |
| Sean O'Malley | 12 of 23 | 52% | 5 of 15 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 23 of 63 | 36% | 18 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 7 | 20 of 58 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 19 of 33 | 57% | 9 of 19 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 19 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 12 of 15 | 80% | 5 of 8 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 12 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo believes the first fight was a clear win for Merab, not close as some recall. He thinks Sean's camp is already making excuses by calling Merab the GOAT. He sees no significant improvements from Sean and expects the same pressure wrestling and cardio to overwhelm Sean again. He dismisses concerns about Merab's toe injury as irrelevant.
Big Brady picks Merab Dvalishvili but is very hesitant. He believes Merab should win easily based on his wrestling, but worries about corrupt judges giving rounds to O'Malley if the fight is close. He notes that O'Malley was compromised in the first fight and that the UFC wants O'Malley to win. He ultimately goes with his gut that Merab gets it done by decision, but hates the price tag and suggests O'Malley plus 5.5 might be a good look.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Merab. He emphasizes that O'Malley's instinctual reactions in wrestling are a deep-seated issue that will be hard to overcome. Connor notes that O'Malley's go-to defense of giving up his back and handfighting works against lesser wrestlers but is suicide against Merab. He thinks O'Malley can improve but still loses.
Dvalishvili's high pressure, high pace, and insane cardio are too much for most opponents. Even if O'Malley learned from their first matchup, he won't be able to set up his traps or striking wizardry. Dvalishvili will control the fight, grind it out, and win on the scorecards to remain champion.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley to win by TKO or decision, citing adjustments and O'Malley's freshness. He believes the first fight was close and O'Malley can improve his takedown defense. He notes Merab's activity and lack of motivation, and thinks O'Malley's striking will be the difference. He predicts O'Malley wins rounds 1, 3, and 5, and possibly gets a TKO in the second or third round. He also mentions potential judging favoritism for O'Malley.
Zane picks Merab Dvalishvili, noting that O'Malley's wrestling defense is fundamentally flawed against Merab's relentless pressure. He believes O'Malley will be better prepared but still expects Merab to force him into a defensive shell and win via pace and takedowns. Zane references the Umar fight as evidence that Merab can be pushed but still wins.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 47 of 89 | 52% | 49 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 82 of 164 | 50% | 214 of 310 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 10:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 14 of 28 | 50% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 25 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 65 of 92 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:12 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 17 of 38 | 44% | 25 of 46 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 | |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 21 of 32 | 65% | 74 of 89 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:37 | |
| 5 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 10 of 26 | 38% | 25 of 42 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 47 of 89 | 52% | 22 of 48 | 23 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 45 of 85 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 |
| Sean O'Malley | 82 of 164 | 50% | 55 of 130 | 4 of 6 | 23 of 28 | 29 of 85 | 8 of 14 | 45 of 65 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 14 of 28 | 50% | 6 of 16 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 16 of 30 | 53% | 13 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 18 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 7 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Sean O'Malley | 18 of 38 | 47% | 14 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 31 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 11 of 21 | 52% | 7 of 13 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 17 of 38 | 44% | 6 of 24 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 12 | 11 of 29 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 6 of 9 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Sean O'Malley | 21 of 32 | 65% | 20 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 19 | |
| 5 | Merab Dvalishvili | 11 of 21 | 52% | 2 of 8 | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Sean O'Malley | 10 of 26 | 38% | 2 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 7 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dvalishvili (-285), O'Malley (+230)
Round 1
The main event will be refereed by Jason Herzog. O'Malley starts off with a spinning back kick to the body. Dvalishvili is able to walk O'Malley back towards the cage. Nice jab by O'Malley, who is also going to the body with punches from afar. Dvalishvili is eating jabs, having some issues with closing the distance early. O'Malley is keeping space with kicks and his jab. Dvalishvili is keeping the pressure on, forcing O'Malley to constantly move. A right hand for Dvalishvili lands, and the champion is then able to get a takedown. O'Malley is quick to get back up, although he grabs the fence. Dvalishvili stays clinched and leans a knee. O'Malley lands his own knee, but gets off-balance and slips. Dvalishvili lands a nice left hook before going for a double-leg takedown. O'Malley does a good job defending, but Dvalishvili is able to pick him up anyhow. Dvalishvili is in full guard. Dvalishvili slips in an elbow and several short hammerfists.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Round 2
O'Malley takes the center of the cage. Dvalishvili lands a body kick, while O'Malley misses a spinning back kick. A nice right hand to the body for "Suga." Dvalishvili counters O'Malley with two stinging right hands. O'Malley answers back with a strong right hand of his own. Dvalishvili is throwing kicks to the body. O'Malley's movement is much better this round. O'Malley lands a nice jab. Dvalishvili goes for a takedown, but O'Malley escapes from the cage. The round hits the halfway mark. O'Malley jabs to the body. Dvalishvili goes for another takedown, but O'Malley shucks him off and lands a nice left hand. Much better round for the challenger. Dvalishvili lands a right hand and goes for a takedown, but eats a left hand while entering. O'Malley is able to stay upright and hits the champ with a straight right as he exits. A big right hand for Dvalishvili, who keeps the pressure on as the round ends. Much closer round.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Round 3
15 minutes to go. Dvalishvili opens with an overhand right and rushes the challenger. O'Malley lands a solid counter, but Dvalishvili keeps the pressure on and dumps "Suga" to the ground. Dvalishvili is in guard. O'Malley is too happy to sit in guard and is just allowing Dvalishvili to be in control. Dvalishvili is landing shots to the body and slips an elbow in. A lot of time is getting eaten up. Dvalishvili advances into half guard. O'Malley gives up his back in order to get to his feet. Dvalishvili lands a slick knee to the head. Dvalishvili puts O'Malley immediately back down after he gets back to his feet. The fight is fully in Dvalishvili's control. Dvalishvili is in half guard and landing punches with 30 seconds left. Dvalishvili scrambles well into north-south position and is able to lock in a modified guillotine choke. This looks tight, and O'Malley taps. It's over, and Dvalishvili retains with his second-ever submission win.
The Official Result
Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O'Malley via Submission (Modified Guillotine Choke); R3, 4:42.
Angelo picks Sean O'Malley but does not bet. He notes O'Malley has incredible accuracy and power, and only needs one shot to finish, while Merab has a suspect chin and a cut over his eye plus possible staph infection that could affect his cardio. However, he acknowledges that a healthy Merab could shoot 550 takedowns and win a boring decision. He is on O'Malley's side but too much of a coward to bet, though he mentions Jacob has bet on O'Malley.
Big Brady picks O'Malley, emphasizing damage over control. He notes Dvalishvili's game is takedown attempts with little damage, while O'Malley has power and finishing ability. He predicts O'Malley will land big shots and possibly knock out Dvalishvili in the second round, though a damage-based decision is also possible.
Cody believes Merab's wrestling and cardio will be too much for O'Malley, especially given O'Malley's inactivity and injury concerns. He notes that O'Malley's takedown defense hasn't improved enough and that Merab can make the fight look easier by pushing the pace early. He sees a unanimous decision win for Merab.
Daniel Vreeland picks Sean O'Malley, emphasizing that Merab takes a shot in almost every fight and O'Malley will land that one. He notes Merab's top control is not great and people get back up, differentiating him from Aljamain Sterling. He believes O'Malley is getting an easier fight than against Sterling because Merab is more hitable and susceptible to being countered.
Daniel picks Sean O'Malley to win, citing O'Malley's superior striking accuracy, footwork, and ability to fight going backwards. He believes O'Malley's teep kicks and straight shots will counter Merab's looping punches and pressure. Daniel also notes O'Malley's brown belt under Cesar Gracie and dismisses cardio concerns, but acknowledges Merab's takedown volume could be a factor if he closes distance.
Jeff Fox picks Sean O'Malley because he is a striker with a big reach advantage and has cleared every hurdle. He acknowledges Merab could take him down and grind out a win, but believes O'Malley can piece him up on the feet and has shown solid grappling.
Lucrative James believes the odds are slightly off, with Merab as a -305 favorite. He notes that Sean O'Malley has more margin for improvement after a close first fight where he hurt Merab in the fifth round. He sees value in O'Malley at +255 and plans to bet him, though he acknowledges Merab's wrestling and cardio make him the likely winner. He emphasizes betting value over picking the winner.
Dvalishvili has shown great durability and will stick on O'Malley like white on rice, not giving him the space to generate knockout power. Expects Dvalishvili to put O'Malley through the ringer, possibly approaching 50 takedown attempts, and win on the scorecards.
Paul thinks Merab's game plan is clear and that O'Malley's only chance is a puncher's chance. He points out that O'Malley hasn't fought since the first loss and has been nursing injuries, while Merab has been active and improving. He expects Merab to control the fight with wrestling and win a decision.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley by TKO in the first or second round. He notes Merab has a staph infection and a cut over his eye, which could be exploited. He believes O'Malley's footwork and takedown defense will neutralize Merab's wrestling, and that O'Malley's upward knees and left hook will be key. He also suggests the UFC may favor O'Malley and that an early stoppage is possible if Merab gets hurt.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 230 of 356 | 64% | 232 of 358 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 89 of 241 | 36% | 89 of 241 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 27 of 36 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 51 of 83 | 61% | 51 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 16 of 46 | 34% | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 35 of 58 | 60% | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 17 of 54 | 31% | 17 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 56 of 84 | 66% | 57 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 26 of 73 | 35% | 26 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 61 of 95 | 64% | 62 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 21 of 47 | 44% | 21 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 230 of 356 | 64% | 150 of 268 | 61 of 68 | 19 of 20 | 227 of 352 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 89 of 241 | 36% | 41 of 165 | 14 of 35 | 34 of 41 | 85 of 235 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 27 of 36 | 75% | 7 of 14 | 10 of 12 | 10 of 10 | 27 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 9 of 21 | 42% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 5 | 7 of 9 | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 51 of 83 | 61% | 36 of 66 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 51 of 83 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 16 of 46 | 34% | 7 of 29 | 0 of 5 | 9 of 12 | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 35 of 58 | 60% | 21 of 43 | 13 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 17 of 54 | 31% | 7 of 39 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 17 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Sean O'Malley | 56 of 84 | 66% | 42 of 70 | 11 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 56 of 84 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 26 of 73 | 35% | 15 of 56 | 5 of 11 | 6 of 6 | 26 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Sean O'Malley | 61 of 95 | 64% | 44 of 75 | 16 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 58 of 91 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 21 of 47 | 44% | 11 of 34 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 7 | 17 of 43 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Marlon Vera as a dog, noting that underdogs have won five of seven main events in 2024. He thinks Vera's durability and power will be key, as O'Malley is a counter striker who may not engage. He also mentions the Miami crowd may favor Vera. He suggests betting the over on rounds.
Big Brady picks Sean O'Malley to win by decision, but is not feeling great about it. He notes that O'Malley is the better striker with more volume and accuracy, but worries about the later rounds as O'Malley has never been past three rounds. He believes Vera needs a knockout to win, and O'Malley should do enough to win a decision.
Cody believes O'Malley has improved significantly since the first fight, especially in managing space and distance. He thinks O'Malley will win on volume, similar to the Chris Moutinho fight, but acknowledges that Vera is durable and could come on late. He respects Vera but sticks with O'Malley as the pick, though he won't bet the moneyline.
Daniel Vreeland picks Sean O'Malley, emphasizing that O'Malley has improved his footwork and ability to cut angles. He notes that O'Malley's cerebral approach allows him to set traps, as he did against Aljamain Sterling. Vreeland argues that Vera fights by downloading information and then exploding, but O'Malley controls what Vera sees. He believes Vera's habit of giving up early rounds is dangerous against a finisher like O'Malley. Vreeland concludes that O'Malley is the better striker, longer, more explosive, and younger.
Daniel leans towards O'Malley to defend his belt, but he has significant concerns about O'Malley's durability and cardio. He notes that O'Malley will likely light up Vera early, but worries that O'Malley may gas out from beating on Vera, allowing Vera to take over late. Daniel references O'Malley's fatigue in the second round against Yan and Vera's proven durability and finishing ability. He also mentions that Vera's camp issues don't sway him. Ultimately, he picks O'Malley but calls it a 'dog or pass' betting situation.
Jeff Fox picks Sean O'Malley, noting that Vera is essentially the same fighter as in their first fight while O'Malley has improved significantly. He highlights O'Malley's improved footwork and ability to cut angles, as seen in the Aljamain Sterling fight. Fox also praises O'Malley's cerebral game, setting traps and controlling what his opponent sees. He believes Vera gives up early rounds and then has to press, which plays into O'Malley's hands. Fox is confident that O'Malley's striking, length, and youth will lead to a win.
O'Malley is the better technical striker with great fight IQ and trap-setting ability. He showed discipline and patience in his win over Sterling. However, Vera has never been knocked down in the UFC and is a slow starter who thrives in five-round fights. O'Malley may not get the early knockout, and if Vera finds his groove late, it could be competitive. I still pick O'Malley to win by decision, as his striking wizardry should allow him to outwork Vera over 25 minutes. I am passing on betting this fight due to the -300 line and Vera's durability.
Paul highlights Vera's slow-starting nature but five-round cardio and durability. He notes that O'Malley has not been tested in late rounds and that Vera's pressure and toughness will allow him to take over in rounds 3-5. He also points to a trend of underdogs winning main events recently and Vera's life-changing motivation.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley, predicting a boring fight where O'Malley uses low kicks and range to outpoint Vera. He argues O'Malley's feints are more dangerous because he can actually land the strikes he feints. He believes Vera will struggle to land his power shots and O'Malley will win a clear decision, possibly with a robbery if close. He notes O'Malley's underrated chin and better movement in the larger cage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 17 of 35 | 48% | 24 of 46 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 1 | 25 of 35 | 71% | 26 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 13 of 26 | 50% | 20 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 8 of 14 | 57% | 8 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 4 of 9 | 44% | 4 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 1 | 17 of 21 | 80% | 18 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 17 of 35 | 48% | 3 of 12 | 3 of 10 | 11 of 13 | 16 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 25 of 35 | 71% | 18 of 25 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 18 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 13 of 26 | 50% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 8 | 11 of 13 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 8 of 14 | 57% | 3 of 6 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 4 of 9 | 44% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 17 of 21 | 80% | 15 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sterling (-258), O’Malley (+210)
Round 1
In the main attraction inside of the
Boston Garden
FleetCenter
TD Banknorth Garden
TD Garden, two men with no particular affinity to Beantown will collide for bantamweight gold. In the truest sense of the overused phrase, this is a pure grappler vs. striker affair, one that pits defending champ Sterling (23-3, 15-3 UFC) against the exceptionally accurate O’Malley (16-1, 1 NC; 8-1, 1 NC UFC). Should Sterling get his hand raised, he will set the record for the most consecutive defenses in the division’s history, while O’Malley can become the second champion to make his way to the promotion from Dana White’s Contender Series – Jamahal Hill was the first. There is nothing more that needs to be said from these two or about these two, and referee Marc Goddard brings the two together to make the title fight official. The staredown lasts from the moment Bruce Buffer starts speaking through to part of the introductions, and they are intense. They do touch gloves, and it’s on with the show. When they come together, Sterling is quick to swat O’Malley’s hands down. Sterling leaps forward with front kicks and side kicks, and he reaches out with long jabs while O’Malley stays out of reach. Sterling lands a solid leg kick as he races after O’Malley, and O’Malley responds with a front kick. Sterling keeps busy with kicks to any target, and O’Malley jabs to the body. O’Malley pushes the pace and draws a reaction out of his opponent, and the crowd rains down a profane chant against the champion. Sterling puts his foot on the gas, and he leans back from a long left hand that comes at his chin. The two take turns leading the dance, but O’Malley’s work rate is quite low through the first half of the round. O’Malley feints and fakes his way in, and he has to block a body kick that gets past his guard. Sterling chips away at the lead leg, and he absorbs a front kick on the ribs. Sterling peppers O’Malley with three low kicks before O’Malley gives him a stomping kick back to his knee. Sterling’s inside calf kicks force a stance switch early, and O’Malley lunges forward but does not fire off anything. Sterling reacts significantly when O’Malley is about to strike, and he picks at O’Malley’s leg while strafing to the side. O’Malley drops his hands to taunt Sterling into coming at him, and Sterling keeps ripping leg kicks and little else. Sterling blazes past his foe with a kick, and O’Malley settles down and fires off a spinning back kick that backs him off. Sterling shoots in for a single, and he jams O’Malley up against the fence while holding his foe’s leg in the air. Sterling lands several short punches, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Round 2
The second round begins with the two rushing towards one another, and O’Malley lashes out with a kick that he misses and falls over after throwing. Sterling comes at him and pursues a takedown, and O’Malley backs himself against the wall to stay up. O’Malley shuts it down and drops back to line up a right hand, and Sterling misses with a punch and gets cracked right on the chin. Sterling crashes down to the ground on his face, and he turns to his side in an effort to get his wits about him. O’Malley follows him down and clubs him with hammerfists, and Sterling is moving but still taking damage. O’Malley continues his bombardment of punches, and Goddard is closely watching over things. Sterling turns over and looks to reach out with his left arm for a potential takedown, and Goddard waves the fight off. Some may consider it an early stoppage, given how Sterling was still moving and defending himself. Nevertheless, the fight is over and O’Malley is now the UFC’s bantamweight champion, and he is the second fighter off the Contender Series to claim a UFC strap. The landscape of the 135-pound weight class has now changed drastically, and a wealth of options present themselves for O’Malley first defense and upcoming title reign. Marlon Vera, Merab Dvalishvili, Umar Nurmagomedov and a few others are right in contention, and it will be interesting to see how it turns out. In his post-fight interview, O’Malley mentions that he would be up for his first defense against Vera this December, and Vera immediately responded on social media with a post of dollar signs and bags of cash. If that is the fight the UFC makes for its Dec. 16 pay-per-view card, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley def. Aljamain Sterling R2 0:51 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Aljamain Sterling, expecting his wrestling to take over as Sean O'Malley slows down in the later rounds. He notes that O'Malley gassed in a three-round fight and this is five rounds. He thinks Sterling could win by submission but acknowledges O'Malley's toughness and striking threat. He believes Sterling's range management and takedowns will be the difference.
Big Brady picks Sean O'Malley to win by fourth-round knockout, but admits he's terrified of Sterling's early grappling. He believes O'Malley can stuff takedowns and make Sterling work, causing Sterling to slow down. Brady notes O'Malley's striking advantage and power, and thinks if O'Malley survives the first few rounds, he can finish Sterling late.
Cody believes Sterling's grappling and wrestling are a notch above O'Malley's, and that Sterling will take O'Malley down, control him, and win rounds. He notes that O'Malley's camp lacks confidence, and that the line is inflated due to O'Malley's popularity. He expects Sterling to win by decision or submission, and likes the value at -260.
Daniel Levi leans toward Aljamain Sterling, acknowledging that Sterling should be favored but questioning whether the -255 price is warranted. He notes that Sterling has a clear path to victory if O'Malley has no answer when his back is taken, but if O'Malley can stretch the fight out, all bets are off. Levi mentions that Sterling's cardio fades in championship rounds due to massive weight cuts, which could open a late path for O'Malley. He also highlights that O'Malley's confidence and training with Taki Mendez might help him survive early grappling exchanges. Ultimately, Levi picks Sterling but is not fully confident, as he is intrigued by O'Malley's potential to survive and capitalize late.
Lucrative James picks Sean O'Malley, citing his distance management, footwork, and underrated jiu-jitsu. He believes Sterling's frequent weight cuts and recent activity may affect his performance. He sees value on O'Malley's moneyline and thinks O'Malley could get a knockout or win rounds on damage.
Sterling has a clear grappling advantage and should be able to take O'Malley down and control him. O'Malley's takedown defense has been a weakness, and Sterling's pressure and back-taking ability will be key. Sterling will likely win a decision rather than chase a finish, conserving energy. The decision prop is the best play.
The MMA Guru picks Aljamain Sterling over Sean O'Malley. He believes Sterling's grappling will be the difference, as O'Malley will be worried about takedowns. He notes Sterling's tricky movement and ability to pressure O'Malley backwards. He predicts Sterling will take O'Malley down early, get his back, and win by TKO via ground and pound in round 1 or 2. He thinks Sterling will prove a point.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 58 of 96 | 60% | 97 of 139 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 0 | 0 | 5:44 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 84 of 163 | 51% | 91 of 171 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 28 of 41 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 23 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 24 of 39 | 61% | 45 of 62 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 21 of 37 | 56% | 22 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 24 of 36 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 1:52 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 40 of 71 | 56% | 46 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 58 of 96 | 60% | 24 of 57 | 13 of 18 | 21 of 21 | 47 of 81 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 9 |
| Petr Yan | 84 of 163 | 51% | 63 of 132 | 6 of 14 | 15 of 17 | 80 of 158 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 19 of 31 | 61% | 5 of 15 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 11 | 17 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 23 of 55 | 41% | 13 of 37 | 3 of 9 | 7 of 9 | 23 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 24 of 39 | 61% | 12 of 25 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 7 |
| Petr Yan | 21 of 37 | 56% | 17 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 21 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 15 of 26 | 57% | 7 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Petr Yan | 40 of 71 | 56% | 33 of 63 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 36 of 67 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yan (-265), O’Malley (+225)
Round 1
Yan and O’Malley launch into action at the prompting of referee Jason Herzog. Yan is in orthodox stance; O’Mally southpaw. Yan stalks forward as O’Malley slides around the outside of the cage. Yan switches stances and flicks out his right jab, then switches back. Herzog shouts a warning to O’Malley to watch his extended fingers. Yan lands a right low kick and eats a hard right hand counter. O’Malley connects with a right low kick. Halfway through the round, Yan changes levels for a double-leg near the fence. O’Malley backs into the cage, trying to keep the Russian from taking his back. Yan gives up on the takedown and they return to the center. Yan lands a series of three left hands upstairs, then drops for another takedown. This time, he hoists the taller man and dumps him to the canvas. With a minute left, Yan is in O’Malley’s guard. O’Malley goes to stand and eats some punches on the way up, but they return to their feet. O’Malley shoots a takedown at the 10-second clapper, briefly takes Yan’s back in the ensuing scramble, but they separate before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 2
Yan lands an outside low kick, then one to the inside of O’Malley’s lead leg. O’Malley comes back with a huge uppercut that has Yan hurt badly. Yan staggers away as O’Malley gives chase, landing more punches. Yan turns the tables with a massive punch of his own and now O’Malley is rocked. Yan ducks under and drags O’Malley to the mat. Yan is in O’Malley’s guard as O’Malley squirms and looks to escape. O’Malley pops up and Yan drives him to the fence. O’Malley grounds himself with a hand on the canvas to forestall knees to the head. They separate and a moment later, Yan pushes O’Malley back to the floor with a nice inside trip. O’Malley pops right back up. Under two minutes to go and Yan is matching O’Malley down. O’Malley pushes him back with a kick up the middle, and slips the counter punch. Yan flicks a high kick upstairs, then comes in behind it for a takedown. Yan is in O’Malley’s guard at the base of the fence with 45 seconds left in the round. Yan postures up and lands a couple of punches. The round expires.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 3
Yan shoots for a takedown right away, but O’Malley defends well and stands him back up. O’Malley flicks out a couple of jabs. Yan lands a low kick. Yan swarms forward with hooks, then shoves O’Malley to the cage. O’Malley pushes him back off, and lands an intercepting knee that cuts Yan badly. Yan is bleeding right away. Yan comes up short with a pair of punches, then lands a one-two. O’Malley throws a high kick that glances. Yan shoots a fast takedown from way outside, but drives O’Malley to the fence, and gets him to the ground. Yan takes O’Malley’s back as they stand. O’Malley escapes and they separate. There’s 90 seconds left as they reset in the middle. O’Malley lands a pair of jabs to Yan’s bloodied right eye. Yan drags O’Malley to the ground late in the round, and is landing punches from guard at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Yan)
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley def. Petr Yan via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Angelo picks Petr Yan confidently, calling him a phenomenal striker with fantastic takedown defense and surprising takedown offense. He notes Yan's power, accuracy, and grappling, and believes O'Malley will have trouble finding a rhythm. He acknowledges Yan's tendency to take the first round off but still expects a one-sided fight.
Big Brady picks Yan to win by TKO in the second round. He notes Yan's power (nearly 10 knockdowns in the UFC) and ability to mix in takedowns. O'Malley has faced mostly strikers and hasn't been tested on the ground; Yan can pressure him and potentially finish on top. He believes Yan's experience against elite strikers like Aldo and Sandhagen gives him a clear edge.
Cody is confident in Yan, noting that Yan is an underrated wrestler who can take O'Malley down and control him. He points out O'Malley's weaknesses against pressure and wrestlers, referencing the Marlon Vera fight. Cody believes Yan's experience and ability to figure out opponents as the fight goes on will be key. He thinks Yan can win by decision or inside the distance, and that O'Malley's popularity is inflating his odds.
Connor is confident Yan will win, arguing that Yan's layered striking and ability to adapt will overwhelm O'Malley. He notes that O'Malley's offense is based on feints and theoretical threats, while Yan has multiple modes of attack and will take easy targets like leg kicks. He also points out that Yan can pressure O'Malley to the fence and take him down, as he did against Sandhagen.
Daniel Levi picks Petr Yan to win, citing Yan's proven chin and ability to both give and take damage. He questions O'Malley's durability, noting that while O'Malley can strike well, it's unknown how he handles getting hit by a powerful puncher like Yan. Levi thinks Yan will pressure O'Malley and make him fight, and that Yan's experience against tough opponents gives him the edge. He also mentions that Yan may start slow but will win rounds as the fight progresses. Levi does not bet this fight but is confident in Yan.
Yan has a slow-starting style but excels in championship rounds. He has wrestling upside that could exploit O'Malley's weakness on the ground. O'Malley may be competitive early with kicks, but Yan's takedowns and top control should secure rounds. Yan by decision at -110 is the pick, and if the line drops to -250, the moneyline becomes attractive.
Paul is confident in Yan, citing that Yan is the better fighter and that O'Malley's action is due to his brand. He worries about Yan giving up round one but thinks Yan will figure out O'Malley and win. Paul notes Yan's wrestling and takedowns as a path to victory, and mentions he took a small bet on Yan by submission at long odds. He believes Yan's experience and skill gap will show.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan over Sean O'Malley by third-round TKO. He believes Yan's pressure, combinations, and ability to crowd O'Malley will be too much. He notes O'Malley's struggles against volume strikers and his tendency to spin, which Yan can exploit. He predicts O'Malley wins the first round but gets hurt in the second and finished in the third.
Zane picks Yan, emphasizing that Yan's pressure and ability to take easy targets will expose O'Malley's defensive flaws. He compares O'Malley to Darren Till, noting that both rely on a coiled-spring style that elite fighters eventually figure out. He believes Yan will force O'Malley into uncomfortable positions and break him down over time.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 26 of 41 | 63% | 26 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 25 of 47 | 53% | 25 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 19 of 25 | 76% | 19 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 7 of 16 | 43% | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Munhoz | 26 of 41 | 63% | 0 of 9 | 0 of 2 | 26 of 30 | 26 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 25 of 47 | 53% | 14 of 30 | 8 of 14 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pedro Munhoz | 19 of 25 | 76% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 22 | 19 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 15 of 26 | 57% | 7 of 13 | 5 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Pedro Munhoz | 7 of 16 | 43% | 0 of 6 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 8 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 10 of 21 | 47% | 7 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: O’Malley (-300), Munhoz (+250)
Round 1
Kicking off the main card is another fight that could have served as the main event of a Fight Night offering recently, as established veteran Munhoz (19-7, 1 NC; 9-7, 1 NC UFC) looks to shut down the “Sugar Show” of O’Malley (15-1, 7-1 UFC) at bantamweight. Feet and fists are sure to fly fervently, but not before referee Jason Herzog checks them in. The gloves are expectedly not touched given O’Malley’s chatter ahead of the fight, and they land leg kicks at the same time to start things off. O’Malley keeps a wide berth from afar, with a distance where even he cannot land with his significant reach advantage. They are cautious to engage, and O’Malley tosses out a few front kicks while Munhoz goes to the calf repeatedly. O’Malley loads up on an overhand right, and he checks a calf kick that zooms at him. Munhoz checks one in response, and he sweeps low with his rear leg. O’Malley pierces the guard with a jab, and Munhoz circles away and lands a solid leg kick as O’Malley switches stances. The American pokes out a few jabs but little else, and he leaps back as the low kick comes towards him. “Sugar Sean” spins with a back kick, and Munhoz is out of harm’s way in time. Munhoz hammers the leg multiples times, and O’Malley steps forward with a front kick and a straight right hand down the pipe. O’Malley slaps a front kick out, and it bangs into the cup. Herzog spots it immediately, and the crowd boos him despite that the foul lands cleanly. Munhoz takes less than a minute to get back to action, and O’Malley comes out throwing hands. Munhoz answers him with a barrage of leg kicks from both legs, and he appears fired up and walking O’Malley down. They continue to pepper the lead legs of one another with kicks, and Munhoz fires off a high kick that gets blocked in time. Munhoz bears down on him with a chopping kick, and they add up as O’Malley tries to push him back with jabs. The pink-haired fighter spin with a back kick to the midsection, and Munhoz answers him as he plants down with a thudding kick. Munhoz whiffs on a spin kick, and O’Malley mocks him with a pirouette as the crowd guffaws. The tentative round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Round 2
The second frame opens as Munhoz comes out running forward, and he switches stances every single time O’Malley does to mirror his stance and allow him to have effective leg kicks come out. Munhoz misses on a head kick, and a front kick as well as he pulls his leg back and lands awkwardly. O’Malley pokes out a few jabs to little effect, and Munhoz retreats and gets popped with a one-two. O’Malley spins with a wheel kick that just brushes past Munhoz’ hair, and one inch to the right could have spelled problems for the Brazilian. Munhoz kicks the midsection on his way in, and he swipes low with a kick. O’Malley absorbs a kick with an audible thud, and he loads up with a right hand that collides with the guard. O’Malley dings Munhoz with a straight right, and the Brazilian loads up on a low kick in response. Practically all of the strikes landed by “The Young Punisher” are leg kicks, and they are rarely more than single strikes. They continue to connect, and O’Malley, irritated from them, pops out a jab. Munhoz lands a punch, and O’Malley reaches out with his fingers outstretched to jab Munhoz in the eye. Munhoz turns away and tries to clear his vision. Herzog allows him to recover and calls in a doctor to give him more time, Munhoz seems to tell the doctor he cannot see out of his right eye. The doctor helps him wipe his eye, and Munhoz claims that all he sees is black from one eye. With that answer, Herzog and the physician properly call the fight off, as Munhoz cannot continue. This poke ruled an unintentional foul, it will go down as a no contest. This is an unfortunate ending to a competitive and intriguing bout, and hopefully the promotion can run it back in the near future.
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley vs. Pedro Munhoz is ruled a No Contest (Accidental Eye Poke) R2 3:09
Angelo picks Sean O'Malley, citing his accuracy and athletic striking. He believes Munhoz's volume and forward pressure will work against him as O'Malley sticks and moves. He expresses frustration with the matchup, feeling Munhoz is being fed to a rising star, but still sees O'Malley winning a decision.
Big Brady is confident in Sean O'Malley, citing his size, speed, and striking advantage. He notes Munhoz is hittable and absorbs many strikes, but worries about O'Malley's leg kicks and durability. He predicts O'Malley wins by decision, as Munhoz has never been knocked out.
Cody acknowledges Munhoz's path to victory via leg kicks and pressure, but notes Munhoz has declined and lacks wrestling. He thinks O'Malley's reach and speed will be decisive, and that Munhoz hasn't landed a takedown since 2018. He picks O'Malley as the rightful favorite.
Daniel Levi is confident in Sean O'Malley, having bet 5 units to win 2 at -250. He believes O'Malley's height, reach, volume, and stance switching will be too much for Munhoz, who is there to be hit and may be on the decline. Levi dismisses the leg kick narrative, noting that O'Malley can mitigate it by fighting southpaw. He respects Munhoz's guillotine and calf kicks but thinks O'Malley's evolution and youth give him the edge.
O'Malley is faster and more technical, but Munhoz has never been knocked out and has good leg kicks. O'Malley should win by decision, staying on the outside and avoiding leg kicks. The host is not confident in a finish and prefers the decision prop.
Paul agrees with Cody that O'Malley's reach advantage and volume will be key. He notes Munhoz's lack of wrestling makes it hard to back him at +275. He picks O'Malley to win.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley, citing his elusiveness, range advantage (7-inch reach), and ability to slow down pressure fighters. He believes Pedro Munhoz has declined and that O'Malley's front kicks and leg kicks will be key. He predicts O'Malley will pick Munhoz apart and win a decision, noting Munhoz's lack of offensive wrestling.
Aiemann Zahabi - Fight History
AJ thinks O'Malley will be too fast for Zahabi, out-boxing and out-kickboxing him. He notes Zahabi is a pressure boxer who is slower and worse at everything O'Malley does, and doesn't bring a serious wrestling threat. He expects O'Malley to get his win streak going.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlon Vera | 1 | 56 of 152 | 36% | 56 of 153 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 81 of 152 | 53% | 81 of 152 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marlon Vera | 0 | 11 of 40 | 27% | 11 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 20 of 37 | 54% | 20 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Marlon Vera | 1 | 21 of 50 | 42% | 21 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 24 of 44 | 54% | 24 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Marlon Vera | 0 | 24 of 62 | 38% | 24 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 37 of 71 | 52% | 37 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlon Vera | 56 of 152 | 36% | 30 of 107 | 14 of 26 | 12 of 19 | 55 of 150 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 81 of 152 | 53% | 47 of 107 | 20 of 28 | 14 of 17 | 79 of 149 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marlon Vera | 11 of 40 | 27% | 3 of 25 | 4 of 9 | 4 of 6 | 11 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 20 of 37 | 54% | 11 of 26 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Marlon Vera | 21 of 50 | 42% | 13 of 35 | 4 of 9 | 4 of 6 | 21 of 49 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 24 of 44 | 54% | 16 of 34 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 42 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marlon Vera | 24 of 62 | 38% | 14 of 47 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 7 | 23 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 37 of 71 | 52% | 20 of 47 | 9 of 13 | 8 of 11 | 37 of 71 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zahabi (-130); Vera (+110)
Round 1
On his first losing streak since 2018, “Chito” Vera (23-10-1, 15-9 UFC) might lose his place in line with another defeat. He will have to stave off the surging Ariel Helwani—that is, Tristar Gym’s Zahabi (13-2, 7-2 UFC). The three-round bantamweight affair will draw the assignment of referee Jason Herzog, and the fight begins with the athletes going right for it.
Vera is the aggressor, pitching a head kick while walking the Canadian down. Zahabi gets away with a low kick, and chants of his surname rain down in the building. Kicks continue to come from both sides as range-finders, but neither man drills the other with anything clean. Vera tries to go upstairs with his shin, and Zahabi blocks it well in time. Zahabi chambers and fires an inside leg kick to decent success, and he parries a jumping front kick that is the response. Vera stomps at the knee of his opponent, and he stutter-steps his way forward with a high kick. Vera then punches his way into another head kick effort, to which Zahabi chops his foe’s lead leg back. Left hooks are traded by the bantamweights, and Zahabi’s defensive shell protects him from the worst of the oncoming fire.
Zahabi splits the guard with a jab and follows with a right, and Vera greets him back with another calf kick. “Chito” reaches the body with a knee, and his low kick is soon to follow. Zahabi marches forward and lets his hands go, reaching his foe with a left but backing off when Vera starts to rev up his own engine. Vera chains a front kick into two leg kicks, one on either side of Zahabi’s front wheel. Zahabi rushes after the Ecuadorian, pulling back when Vera pump-fakes a knee. Vera sticks out an elbow that opens up Zahabi’s nose, which starts dripping down his face. “Chito” attacks with swinging kicks, and his knee is flashing at the right time to prevent Zahabi from bearing down on him. Zahabi bites down on his mouthpiece to engage, and he walks through a body kick to swing two big right hands. Vera backs him off with an elbow up top, and the close round ends with a Zahabi body kick.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Round 2
Between rounds, a replay shows that Vera is struggling with his ring finger on his left hand. When the bell starts the second stanza, adrenaline kicks back in and he closes his fist to throw it. Zahabi starts off aggressively, walking into a left hand so that he can bash Vera in the lead leg with a kick. Vera retaliates with a high kick that slaps off the guard, and he loops a right hand around the raised guard. Vera stomps down low with his kick and whips a left hand at the Canadian, and he catches a body kick to whip a pair of punches at his foe. Vera chains a front kick into a pair of punches, and he stans Zahabi up with a step-in elbow. When he tries for a knee, Zahabi intercepts him before getting air with a right hand. Body kicks land from both men, and Vera staggers his opponent with a piston-like jab. Zahabi bounces off the fence and rolls to grab the fence several times to pull himself upright, and Herzog appears to miss the fouls. Zahabi gets up, and Vera stalks him down like a predator following wounded prey.
Vera connects with a pinpoint accurate jab, and this time Zahabi does not flinch. Vera rips a left to the liver after going up top, and he has nothing to fear with absolutely zero offense coming back his direction. Vera whips a question mark kick up around the guard, and he strides through to drill Zahabi with long punches. Vera appears to let the damaged man off the hook, even with his Superman punch partially connecting. Vera scores a high kick and tries for a knee to the breadbasket, and Zahabi is back in full swing and swings with full force. Zahabi backs Vera up to the wall with looping punches, and Vera rebounds off the wall and appears no worse for wear. Vera ducks down to let a punch bang into the top of his skull, and he eats a knee to the body. The Canadian appears angered, letting loose with one-twos. Vera stifles him briefly with a kick to the knee, and when the horn sounds, they stand right in front of each mean-mugging until Herzog has to split them up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Round 3
Vera says hello in the final round with a head kick attempt. Zahabi drives him back with his own try, so Vera boots him with a hook kick. He then checks a kick coming his direction, and preemptively counters his opponent with a left hook right before Zahabi throws. Zahabi scores a hard low kick that draws a stance switch from the Ecuadorian, and the two trade it out from up close. Zahabi gains some space and kicks the side, and he keeps spinning with a back fist that misses by a mile. Vera showboats with the matador pantomime, but he has to keep his guard up because Zahabi is bearing down on him. Vera busts Zahabi’s nose back open with a flush knee, and it is no longer just dripping a wee bit. Zahabi chomps down on his gumshield and lets fly kicks and wide punches, and Vera rebounds off the wire and guard most of them to reset. Vera then scores a left hand to the temple, and he is met with a body kick. Vera intercepts his man with a check left hook, and Zahabi jacks him in the jaw with a front kick.
The two go shot-for-shot as they bash, bruise and bloody one another, with Vera looking for a step-in knee as Zahabi retaliates with an elbow. Vera pops his man with a left hand, spurring Zahabi into kicks from both legs. Vera kicks low, and he is caught upstairs with a right hand and further stung with a leg kick. “Chito” does not bat an eye and instead lashes out with his own offense, and Zahabi attacks his front leg repeatedly. Zahabi doubles up on straight left hands, and Vera’s low kick lands with a pop and slips a left hand around the guard. Vera is backed up from the offense of his adversary, with Zahabi blitzing forward and finally drawing blood on the bridge of Vera’s nose. Vera does not even register the damage, instead getting right back in Zahabi’s face with fists and feet. “Chito” just misses with an axe kick, and the fight could still be hanging in the balance with 15 seconds to go. Vera lands a leg kick, and Zahabi races forward and gets clipped. They both go nuts with one final brawl, hitting one another in the chin with everything they have left. The round ends, and both corners lift their fighters up in the air to celebrate a tight, brutal slugfest.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Vera)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Vera)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Marlon Vera via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Angelo slightly leans Chito Vera, noting his durability, volume, and ability to win in scrambles. He questions Zahabi's win streak, calling the Aldo win lucky and the Basharat win a robbery. He worries about Vera's slow starts in three-round fights and potential chin decline.
Big Brady is unsure which version of Vera shows up. He thinks if Vera is motivated, he can win with his striking and elbows. He notes Vera always loses the first round but could steal rounds two and three. He picks Vera by close decision, acknowledging the fight has split decision written all over it.
Cody picks Zahabi, citing Marlon Vera's slow starts and accumulated damage. He notes Vera has been hit over 1600 times in the UFC and is slowing down. Zahabi's high volume, precision, and methodical game plan will allow him to win rounds. Cody expects Zahabi to win by decision.
Connor picks Vera, but with hesitation. He notes that Vera is a slow-paced fighter who lets opponents rally early, then becomes more aggressive in later rounds. Connor thinks Zahabi will give Vera no choice but to get aggressive, and Vera's durability and power could pay off. However, he acknowledges that Vera's style doesn't deserve to win rounds and that Zahabi could be one of the fighters who works around it.
James calls this a close fight and struggles to pick a winner. He favors Zahabi due to the Canadian crowd and potential judging bias, as seen in Zahabi's win over Jose Aldo. He notes Vera's durability and cardio advantages but questions Vera's recent form and damage taken. James predicts a split decision for Zahabi.
The host thinks Vera's aggressive style will be too much for Zahabi, who prefers to sit back at distance and counter. He expects Vera to continuously push forward with aggressive output, leading to a late finish or a decision win.
Paul leans Zahabi, noting his volume and precision. He mentions Vera's slow starts and that Zahabi is Canadian, which could help in a close decision. Paul expects a close fight but gives the edge to Zahabi.
The MMA Guru picks Aiemann Zahabi over Marlon Vera. He criticizes Vera's recent performances, calling him a punching bag and easy to game plan against. He praises Zahabi's team and game planning, and his toughness shown against Aldo. He predicts Zahabi will use takedowns and clean striking to win a clear decision, 30-27.
Zane picks Vera, but hesitantly. He notes that Vera's style is not built to win rounds, but he is dangerous and can rally in later rounds. Zane thinks Zahabi's physical limitations may catch up to him against elite talent, and Vera's power and durability could be the difference. However, he acknowledges Zahabi's impressive win over Aldo and his unique ability to fight off both front and back foot.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Aldo | 1 | 68 of 167 | 40% | 71 of 170 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 99 of 199 | 49% | 109 of 209 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | José Aldo | 0 | 23 of 59 | 38% | 23 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 21 of 46 | 45% | 21 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | José Aldo | 0 | 25 of 72 | 34% | 25 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 26 of 66 | 39% | 26 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | José Aldo | 1 | 20 of 36 | 55% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 52 of 87 | 59% | 62 of 97 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Aldo | 68 of 167 | 40% | 48 of 135 | 13 of 25 | 7 of 7 | 67 of 166 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 99 of 199 | 49% | 79 of 167 | 14 of 22 | 6 of 10 | 66 of 151 | 8 of 11 | 25 of 37 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | José Aldo | 23 of 59 | 38% | 12 of 42 | 6 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 21 of 46 | 45% | 15 of 39 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 43 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | José Aldo | 25 of 72 | 34% | 17 of 62 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 72 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 26 of 66 | 39% | 19 of 50 | 3 of 8 | 4 of 8 | 25 of 64 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | José Aldo | 20 of 36 | 55% | 19 of 31 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Aiemann Zahabi | 52 of 87 | 59% | 45 of 78 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 44 | 4 of 6 | 25 of 37 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aldo (-218), Zahabi (+180)
Round 1
A day and a half ago, the “featured fight of the night” slot was booked as a bantamweight affair. Elder statesman and beloved champ Aldo (32-9, 14-8 UFC) could not get close to 136 pounds, so he and Zahabi (12-2, 6-2 UFC) agreed to bump it up to featherweight to keep it together due to strange Canadian weight regulations. In what could be a passing of the torch match—this could be said about the last five fights or so for the ex-WEC champ—referee Dan Miragliotta will be installed as the cage commander. The two relieved fighters who did not have to cut nearly as much weight as they expected bump fists to get the fight started. Aldo marches forward, guard high, and Zahabi circles all the way around him. Aldo keeps following his foe, neither man throwing a strike of merit for the first 50 seconds. Aldo finally lands a jab, but it is just one jab. Zahabi jabs him back, and Aldo responds with a speedy head kick that bounces into his foe’s armpit. Zahabi jumps in and out to strike, and Aldo lets go with a body kick and two hooks. Aldo cracks the Canadian with a right hand, sending Zahabi back in a hurry. He lands another right hand, and lifts up a knee to counter something that does not get to him. Zahabi gets off two punches, and Aldo does not even register them and loads up a right hand that bangs into the Canadian’s head. Zahabi reaches his foe with a body kick, and Aldo continues marching forward without fear. Aldo lifts his knee up to block a high kick, and he jabs with the ball of his foot extended. Aldo rips the body with two punches, and Zahabi’s guard lower as he frowns. Aldo doubles up on a jab to strike with a right hand, and he gets countered and sways to avoid the worst of them. Aldo counters Zahabi coming in with a hook, and he jabs the body when he notices Zahabi is not retaliating. Aldo scores a mighty low kick, and Zahabi walks towards him to score a pair of punches. Zahabi flashes a grin, and he splits the guard with a few jabs and a couple right hands. Aldo leans back and dodges several punches, and he engages with power offense of his own. Aldo uses a power jab to set up further punches, and he no-sells a left hook and fires one back. Aldo goes to the body, and Zahabi counters with a front kick and a punch. Aldo cracks him with a left hand, and the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldo
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Aldo
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Aldo
Round 2
Zahabi starts off the round in a flurry, crashing the pocket and kneeing the former champ flush in the chest. Aldo forces him to settle down with a front kick to the midsection. Aldo flicks out a quick jab, and he sneaks in a low kick before Zahabi can get to him. Aldo checks a kick and swings for the fences, but the Canadian is able to escape them. Aldo checks a leg kick and snaps out his jab, intercepting his advancing opponent every time. Zahabi walks through a few to try to strike, and Aldo goes to the body and head. When Zahabi strikes back, Aldo is nowhere to be found. Aldo pounds the body with a right hand, and he takes a left hook on the forehead so he can rifle off a big hook of his own. Aldo slips a punch and has one scrape off his forehead, and they jab one another up. The former beltholder plays the matador, absorbing a single left hand and landing his own. Zahabi’s foot rises up in a combination, and his foot strikes the groin. He immediately apologizes, and Aldo knows it was totally by accident. They restart in a few seconds, with Zahabi cut on the side of his right eye. Aldo lets him come at him so he can counter, and he ducks a leaping left hand to sneak away. Zahabi kicks him square in the groin, and this time, Aldo is a little more irritated and takes some time, while saying “that’s two” to Miragliotta. Time is called, and Aldo is perturbed but they tap gloves to get going after 15 seconds and push ahead. Zahabi aims a kick much lower to avoid the groin, and he has another get checked. Aldo whips a body shot at him and looks to dodge a jab. Zahabi clips the former beltholder with a left hand, and Aldo pushes off with a front kick and a few jabs. Zahabi dings him with another left, and Aldo shakes his head. Aldo leaps in the air, landing a flying knee to the body at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldo
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Aldo
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Aldo
Round 3
The fighters hug it out as the last round begins. Zahabi reintroduces himself with a one-two, beating Aldo to the punch with a few strikes until Aldo revs up his own engine and stinging the Canadian. Aldo lets Zahabi fly past him, but when Zahabi resets, Zahabi lands three punches down the middle. Aldo shakes his head and drives a knee into his chest. Two body shots from the Brazilian land cleanly, and he ducks down and takes a left hand over the top along with a knee to the body. Aldo surges into action, hurting Zahabi with a knee, a right hand and a head kick that send him flying. Aldo punches his foe and drills Zahabi with a legal soccer kick, and Zahabi is all over the place and barely with it. Aldo chases after him and blasts him with another soccer kick, and Zahabi flops to his back and survives it. Miraculously, Zahabi is still in the fight, and he manages to stand back in front of Aldo, who is looking hard at the clock. The Brazilian is totally spent trying to force the finish, and suddenly momentum has shifted again. Zahabi pours it on, and he marches Aldo down and starts hurting him. A gassed Aldo shoots for a takedown, and Zahabi bowls him over and starts landing punches. Zahabi sits in Aldo’s guard, unleashing heavy punches and elbows. Zahabi continues to assault the former champ with unblocked elbows, and Aldo hangs on tight with nothing left to offer. Aldo keeps his hands up and breathes as hard as one can, and he clings to Zahabi while Zahabi offers more elbows. Zahabi complains that Aldo is holding his glove, and a moment of confusion leads to Zahabi hammering Aldo with more elbows. One slashing elbow shreds open a cut on the middle of Aldo’s forehead, and blood streams down his face immediately. Zahabi keeps pouring it on, looking to Miragliotta for a stoppage that is not yet to come. Every time Zahabi nails Aldo, he looks to Miragliotta. Aldo holds on to save himself and run out the clock, and Zahabi helps him back to his feet when the shocking match concludes. Both teams lift their fighters on their shoulders and parade them around the cage, embracing while held on the shoulders. What a fight.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Aldo)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Aldo)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Aldo)
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Jose Aldo via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks José Aldo despite his age, noting he is still fast, clean, dangerous, durable, and impossible to take down. He argues Aldo won his last fight against Mario Bautista. He mentions an inside distance decision no action prop as an alternative if the moneyline is too steep. He believes Aldo is clearly the better fighter.
Big Brady picks the underdog Zahabi, citing his excellent striking defense (71%) and recent improved volume. He thinks the fight will be a close striking match that goes to decision, and with the fight in Canada, Zahabi could get the nod. He notes Aldo is 38 and hasn't used leg kicks in years, and believes the line is too wide.
Connor picks José Aldo, acknowledging that Zahabi has improved but arguing that Aldo's level of competition and technical striking will prevail. He notes that Zahabi's high guard and predictable patterns will be exploited by Aldo's body shots and counters. Connor expresses some concern about Aldo's age but ultimately believes he is still too good.
The host acknowledges Zahabi's recent streak but believes he will struggle against Aldo's Muay Thai. He notes that Aldo remains dangerous in striking even in losses and doubts Zahabi has the grappling or strength to control Aldo against the cage like Bautista did. He expects Aldo to lead in striking and win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Aldo, believing he still has elite skills and will be too much for Zahabi. He thinks Aldo's reach, body shots, and experience will lead to a TKO, possibly in the second round. He doubts Zahabi can hold Aldo against the cage like other fighters have, and notes Aldo's motivation after the controversial Batista loss.
Zane picks José Aldo, arguing that Zahabi has never faced an elite-level athlete like Aldo. He notes that Zahabi's success comes from exploiting opponents who try to power through, but Aldo is a technical striker who will punish Zahabi's sloppy boxing. Zane believes Aldo's body work and counter-striking will be too much for Zahabi.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 109 of 206 | 52% | 110 of 208 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 95 of 327 | 29% | 95 of 327 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 30 of 51 | 58% | 30 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 26 of 72 | 36% | 26 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 41 of 90 | 45% | 42 of 92 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 22 of 109 | 20% | 22 of 109 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 38 of 65 | 58% | 38 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 47 of 146 | 32% | 47 of 146 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 109 of 206 | 52% | 98 of 188 | 11 of 17 | 0 of 1 | 109 of 204 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Pedro Munhoz | 95 of 327 | 29% | 82 of 304 | 7 of 14 | 6 of 9 | 94 of 324 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 30 of 51 | 58% | 24 of 43 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Pedro Munhoz | 26 of 72 | 36% | 23 of 65 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 3 | 25 of 71 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aiemann Zahabi | 41 of 90 | 45% | 37 of 81 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 41 of 89 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Pedro Munhoz | 22 of 109 | 20% | 16 of 100 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 107 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aiemann Zahabi | 38 of 65 | 58% | 37 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 38 of 65 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Pedro Munhoz | 47 of 146 | 32% | 43 of 139 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 47 of 146 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zahabi (-115), Munhoz (-105)
Round 1
Posting one win in each of the last four years, Tristar Gym’s Zahabi (11-2, 5-2 UFC) has slowly but surely figured things out and climbed the bantamweight ladder. He earns a top-15 adversary in Munhoz (20-9, 2 NC; 10-9, 2 NC UFC), who on the wrong end of his 30s plans on showing there are still levels to this game. Referee Jerin Valel will officiate the preliminary headliner, one that commences as the sportsmen clap hands. Munhoz awkwardly shifts his way forward, throwing Zahabi off with his unusual hopping non-rhythm. Zahabi cannot get a time on him, and he resorts to backing off and lifting his leg up preemptively expecting leg kicks to fly. No strike is thrown for the first 50 seconds until Munhoz says hello with a guard-piercing jab. Munhoz walks Zahabi down and jabs him in the face again, and his front kick does the same to the body. Zahabi lumbers forward with two looping hooks, and a third bounces off the guard. Zahabi pounds the body with a kick, and Munhoz jabs him back to the fence. Zahabi’s big swings are parried or met with jabs, as Munhoz throws straight strikes while keeping his guard up. Zahabi whips another kick to the liver, and he scoops a left hand over the top. Munhoz stays right in Zahabi’s face, reddening him with jabs and slipping counters. Zahabi gets hold of a right hook that Munhoz cannot dodge, but it does not irritate the Brazilian in the slightest. Munhoz sneaks a high kick up, and when he bends over to evade the counters, he ducks into a knee. Zahabi stabs his toes to the liver, and Munhoz’ jab-heavy approach does not falter. Munhoz follows a jab with a left hook, and he swats away a lunging Zahabi and his combo. Zahabi looks for another knee as Munhoz bends, but he does not set it up and instead tags Munhoz in the face with a pair of flush punches. Munhoz jabs and lands a right, and Zahabi works the body and head in response. Zahabi scores a left hook on an advancing Munhoz, and Munhoz throws a low kick and stuffs a takedown shot. Munhoz jabs and sets up a straight right hand and a sharp kick to the ribs. Zahabi keeps his guard up to defend an elbow, and he evades a looping right hand by a matter of inches. Munhoz jabs his way into range, and he is backed off by a pair of jabs from the Canadian. Zahabi gets a high kick up, and they trade hands until the time hits 5:00.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Round 2
Munhoz offers a glove touch that is accepted, and he follows it with a few jabs. Munhoz uses the jab to smack Zahabi in the face with a right hand, and Zahabi fires back with a head kick followed by a few punches. Munhoz walks into a knee as he is pressing the action fearlessly, and he does not let Zahabi land without firing back relentlessly. Munhoz opens up with five punches that largely bounce off the guard, and Zahabi works the body with a kick. Zahabi slings an elbow as Munhoz advances, and Munhoz’ jabs are now more frequently being followed with power punches. Munhoz eats a right hand and tries to give one back, and Zahab kicks him in the side again. Munhoz dips and strikes, and he absorbs an uppercut without concern. Munhoz scores a solid right hand that sends Zahabi staggering to the right for a second, but the Canadian steels himself and strikes Munhoz repeatedly with hard jabs. Munhoz is right there in his grill hitting him back, and these two are unloading on one another. Zahabi times a break with a heavy body kick, and the punch salvos of three or more fly from both sides. Zahabi eats a right hand so he can sit down on a clean right counter, and Munhoz smiles and walks him down to slug him back. Munhoz ducks to shoot for a takedown, swelling growing under his left eye, and he cannot ground the Tristar-trained competitor. Munhoz lands a low kick and is jabbed back, but he opens up with right hand into a takedown. Zahabi smoothly sprawls and fights behind his jab, dealing well with Munhoz’ constant pressure. Munhoz slams another leg kick home, opening up a few punches up top. Zahabi strafes to the side when Munhoz swarms him, and he jabs twice and takes a thudding right hand on the temple. Zahabi lands a left and a hooking right, and he stops a double-leg entry without issue and knees “The Young Punisher” in the gut. Zahabi sets up a few punches after the knee, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Round 3
Munhoz comes out firing in the last round, with both rounds somewhat close and potentially everything up for grabs in the last five-minute stanza. Munhoz plods forward throwing big hands, and Zahabi’s defense protects from most of it. Munhoz jabs to the body with a foot and up high with a fist, and he parries a counter to put two fists on the dome of his foe. Munhoz rolls with a punch, walks into a right hand and responds with a pair of punches. Zahabi gets a knee up the middle, and Munhoz sends him wobbling back with a couple heavy blows. The fighters continue to trade without fear, and Munhoz has the volume advantage but gets a cut opened up on the right side of his right eye. Zahabi’s jabs target that spot with impunity, and Munhoz completely ignores it to load up on volume punches. Zahabi’s jab is money, forcing Munhoz to wipe his eye. Zahabi shoots for a takedown, and Munhoz stuffs it and splits the guard with a trio of strikes. Zahabi dips to score a right and snaps the head back with a jab, but “The Young Punisher” is right in front of him putting hands on him. They jab at the same time, and Munhoz has three fists flying immediately after launching it. Zahabi’s guard stops the Brazilian from most of his strike getting through, and he stops a takedown with ease. Munhoz charges recklessly with lunging punches, and the counters from Zahabi further chew up Munhoz’ face. Munhoz gets caught with a right hand and hits his seat, and he jumps back up to put hands on jaw. Munhoz scores two right hands over the top, and he motions for Zahabi to swang and bang with him. There is a failed takedown as they trade leather, and Valel gets between them as time expires but they just want to hug it out.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Pedro Munhoz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Aiemann Zahabi due to high fight IQ and a well-trained corner (brother Firas). He notes Pedro Munhoz is a volume striker with dangerous BJJ but negative striking differential. He thinks Zahabi's point-fighting style could work, but if he just sits on right hands, Munhoz will touch him up. He says over 2.5 rounds is probably safe but likely won't bet this fight.
Big Brady picks Pedro Munhoz to win by decision. He criticizes Zahabi's low output (3.43 significant strikes per minute) and boring style, while Munhoz is more active (5.32 per minute) and has fought tougher competition. Brady likes Munhoz's leg kicks, durability, and takedown defense. He notes that Zahabi does nothing in the cage and that Munhoz's experience against top fighters gives him the edge.
Cody picks Pedro Munhoz, citing his durability and higher level of competition. He notes that Munhoz has fought top bantamweights and has a BJJ black belt, though he rarely uses it. He believes Munhoz's aggression and pressure could overwhelm Zahabi, but acknowledges the fight is close and could go either way. He is wary of hometown judging but sides with the Brazilian.
Daniel Vreeland picks Pedro Munhoz, despite acknowledging his decline from a top-five ranking. He believes Munhoz's higher output, calf kicks, and durability (never knocked down) will be too much for Aiemann Zahabi. Vreeland notes that Zahabi is 36 and not a young prospect, and that Munhoz's experience and pace should earn him a close decision, though he admits a Canadian bias could affect judging.
Zahabi is on a Cinderella run with upset victories in his last four wins. He will out-strike and out-volume Munhoz en route to a decision victory.
Paul picks Aiemann Zahabi, arguing that Munhoz is older (38) and has slowed down, while Zahabi is fresher with less mileage. He notes Zahabi's reach advantage and precise striking, and believes he can keep Munhoz at range with his jab. He also mentions Zahabi's four-fight winning streak and momentum, and that Munhoz's aggressive style plays into Zahabi's counter-striking game.
The Guru picks Aiemann Zahabi over Pedro Munhoz, believing Munhoz is declining. He notes Zahabi's movement and strategy from the Firas Zahabi camp, and expects Zahabi to pick apart Munhoz's dipping, hook-swinging style. He predicts a close decision, possibly 29-28.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 75 of 174 | 43% | 77 of 176 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 67 of 205 | 32% | 67 of 205 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 12 of 38 | 31% | 12 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 14 of 56 | 25% | 14 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 26 of 58 | 44% | 26 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 28 of 73 | 38% | 28 of 73 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 37 of 78 | 47% | 39 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Javid Basharat | 0 | 25 of 76 | 32% | 25 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 75 of 174 | 43% | 51 of 130 | 16 of 26 | 8 of 18 | 74 of 172 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Javid Basharat | 67 of 205 | 32% | 33 of 147 | 27 of 44 | 7 of 14 | 67 of 203 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 12 of 38 | 31% | 5 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 7 | 12 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Javid Basharat | 14 of 56 | 25% | 4 of 35 | 7 of 15 | 3 of 6 | 14 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aiemann Zahabi | 26 of 58 | 44% | 19 of 44 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 3 | 26 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Javid Basharat | 28 of 73 | 38% | 15 of 57 | 10 of 12 | 3 of 4 | 28 of 71 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aiemann Zahabi | 37 of 78 | 47% | 27 of 59 | 6 of 11 | 4 of 8 | 36 of 76 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Javid Basharat | 25 of 76 | 32% | 14 of 55 | 10 of 17 | 1 of 4 | 25 of 76 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-700), Zahabi (+500)
Round 1
When the dust settles, one of these bantamweights’ momentum will come to a conclusive halt. Once known best as on the receiving end of an all-time highlight reel knockout, Zahabi (10-2, 4-2 UFC) has reeled off three straight victories including two concussive knockouts. On the other side of the equation, Basharat (14-0, 1 NC; 3-0, 1 NC UFC) did encounter his first career blemish when an accidental groin kick ended his last fight, but he maintains a 15-fight unbeaten streak. Before the red falls on someone’s ledger, referee Chris Tognoni is there to keep things clean. The fighters touch gloves, and Basharat prances forward with his kick leg outstretched. Basharat tosses out a few body kicks and one low, and he checks one coming back. Zahabi attempts to retaliate, but Basharat is able to reach him with slightly longer legs. Zahabi overswings with a huge right hand, and Basharat dances out of the way and continues to prod with kicks to the low midsection and thigh. Zahabi attempts to close the distance, only for Basharat to be able to dodge everything thrown at him as he zips back and to the side. Zahabi reaches out with a left hand, and Basharat pops his lead leg with a loud kick. Basharat jabs with the ball of his foot, and he spins with a kick that misses the mark. Zahabi catches Basharat darting in with a left hand, but it is one-and-done before Basharat gets back to his preferred kicking range. Basharat ducks down, landing a few punches and going to the ribs with a resounding kick. On his way in, Basharat may have clashes head with his opponent, but it goes uncalled. Zahabi swats away a one-two and gives a calf kick back, but he takes a shovel uppercut on the cheek. Basharat jumps in the air with a kick, and as soon as Zahabi is about to counter him, Basharat puts him on his seat with a side kick to the sternum. Zahabi climbs back up without issue, and he aims his kick at Basharat’s lead wheel. Basharat misses with two wide hooks, but his high kick does bounce off the guard. Zahabi replies with two blocked body kicks, and he guards against a front kick aimed at his nose. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Round 2
The second round begins where the two men left off, with Basharat keeping his distance with long kicks while Zahabi largely comes up short with punches. Basharat puts a few punches on the reddening face of his opponent, and Zahabi reaches him back with two right hooks. Basharat ignores them and sticks out a jab, and he breaks up Zahabi’s offense with the jab. Zahabi has a low kick checked, and he swarms his man with several punches until Basharat turns to the side to get away. Basharat resets and marks up Zahabi’s nose with jab after unanswered jab, and he follows a few with a right hand or a front kick. Basharat reaches out with a high kick, and when that does not connect, he plants a knee on the chest and cracks Zahabi with an uppercut. The Canadian takes it flush and swings back with bad intentions. Basharat sees the big strikes coming and stays light on his feet to avoid them. Basharat pushes off with a pair of teep kicks, and he nearly gets decked with a huge right hand from Zahabi. Zahabi continues to swing for the fences, and Basharat backs him off with jabs and his diverse kicking game. “The Snow Leopard” charges for a takedown, and Zahabi stands him up but absorbs an elbow on the break. Zahabi plants his feet and winds up with a stern right hand that collides with the temple, and Basharat shakes it off and continues to move forward. Zahabi goes after a body kick and a left hand, and the latter misses. Basharat races in with a takedown, and Zahabi intercepts him with a jump knee and lands to set up a guillotine choke. Basharat continues to spam takedowns, and every time they fail, he is ready to stand up and land at least one big strike. Zahabi opens up with a huge haymaker of a right, and Basharat’s balance nearly gives way as he wobbles to the side and then gets his sea legs beneath him. As Basharat advances to end the round, Zahabi pops him again, and the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Round 3
The last round kicks off with Basharat appearing no worse for wear after the rough ending to the round, with long jabs and a spinning back kick to the side. The distance Basharat keeps disallows Zahabi from reaching him, and he peppers and chips away at a wide berth. Zahabi finally lands his own punch after a minute, and it is a right hand that gets Basharat’s attention. During the ensuing exchange, Basharat leaves his fingers out, and he jabs Zahabi in the eye. Tognoni calls time briefly, but Zahabi is good to go. Basharat apologizes and then gets back into his groove of rangy strikes. Zahabi continues to find his range with right hands, and he swipes out with a left as Basharat nods at him. Zahabi plods forward looping punches, and Basharat hops in and out with body shots and an escape. The two start trading leather, with Basharat less concerned about his defense than before, and this allows Zahabi to touch him back. Zahabi lands three hooks, and Basharat slides to the side to snipe his foe with one that makes the Canadian backpedal. Basharat eats a left hand coming forward, and Zahabi belts him upside the head with a kick. Basharat no-sells it, but Zahabi chains several punches after it. Basharat tags him with a right hand in response, and the two continue to lay into one another with heavy punches. Basharat leans down and gets caught with an uppercut, and they clinch together. Basharat attempts a hip toss, and Zahabi keeps his balance and he keeps chasing after his opponent. Zahabi lands the flusher strikes, and the two swing wildly right to the bitter end. Basharat gets off a final knee to punctuate the fight, and they hug it out when the final horn sounds. It could go either way, and it is entirely possible the unbeaten fighter is undefeated no more.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Javid Basharat via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Javid Basharat, noting he has incredible offensive and defensive wrestling and can also kickbox. He believes Basharat should avoid Aiemann Zahabi's power and win likely by decision. He mentions he has picked and bet on both Basharat brothers before and is confident in Javid.
Big Brady picks Basharat, noting Zahabi's low-volume counter-striking style and reliance on a knockout. He thinks Basharat is a much higher-level fighter and will cruise to a decision, winning minutes. He acknowledges Zahabi has power but believes Basharat's chin will hold up.
Cody picks Basharat by decision, noting his superior volume and wrestling. He points out that Zahabi's career-high in significant strikes is 54, which would be a career low for Basharat. Cody believes Basharat will outwork Zahabi on the feet and take him down, winning a clear unanimous decision. He mentions the price is inflated but still sees Basharat as a safe pick.
Basharat is one of the best prospects at 135 lbs, with smooth striking, excellent footwork and distance management, and improving grappling. Zahabi is 36 and past his prime, while Basharat is much closer to his. Basharat's striking defense should keep him safe from Zahabi's power, and he may even take the fight to the ground. Basharat likely wins by decision, but the line is too high to bet straight; parlay value may exist.
Paul picks Basharat, noting his high volume and well-rounded skills. He mentions Zahabi's low output and reliance on a single counter punch, which won't work against Basharat's pressure. Paul believes Basharat will double Zahabi's strike output and mix in takedowns for a clear decision win. He acknowledges the minus-900 price is tough but sees Basharat as safe.
The MMA Guru picks Basharat, citing his unorthodox striking, movement, and dynamic attacks (spinning attacks, low kicks, stance switching). He thinks Zahabi is too simple and that Basharat's dynamic style will be the difference, though the boxing may be even.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Aoriqileng | 0 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Aoriqileng | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Aoriqileng | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aori (-125), Zahabi (+105)
Round 1
In his sixth year with the company, Tristar Gym’s own Zahabi (9-2, 3-2 UFC) will remarkably be entering into only bout no. six in the Octagon. This is a far cry from Chinese combatant Aori (24-9, 2-2 UFC), who is about to have five outings under his belt in a little over two years when referee John Cooper clocks them in. The bantamweight combatants do not touch ‘em up to start, and Aori instead walks forward and fires off several kicks to the body. Zahabi blitzes with a few punches, and Aori parries them effectively. From afar, Aori chips with a few kicks, including a thudding leg kick. The Chinese fighter does not recoil his leg fast enough to get his guard up, and Zahabi reaches out with a takedown to threaten.
As Aori leans back, Zahabi swarms him with a right hand that hits air, and a left hand that smashes Aori square on the chin. Aori drops to the mat like a sack of potatoes, and Zahabi raises his arms in the air to celebrate what he thinks is a walk-off knockout. Cooper does not actually call the fight off, as Aori lands and turns to his side in a daze. The Canadian, learning he has to keep hitting the defeated fighter, reluctantly goes over to Aori and lowers himself to slug Aori with two more left hands to conclude the match once and for all.
This is a huge win for Zahabi, and the crowd goes wild. When Aori comes to, he squares up like he wants to keep fighting, seemingly not knowing that he was knocked out cleanly. So far, the home fans have had plenty to cheer about tonight.
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Qileng Aori R1 1:04 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Aiemann Zahabi as an underdog. He notes that Zahabi is well-rounded with big power, and that his performance against Ricky Turcios was impressive. He believes Zahabi will be more technical and a step ahead of Aoriqileng. He plans to monitor line movement and may bet if Zahabi becomes a larger underdog.
Big Brady picks Aiemann Zahabi because he is the more active striker, landing 6.07 significant strikes per minute compared to Aoriqileng's 3.01. He notes that Aoriqileng has low volume, doesn't use his BJJ, and has poor takedown attempts. Zahabi is younger, more experienced, and has never been knocked out. He expects Zahabi to outwork Aoriqileng over three rounds and win a decision.
Cody picks Aoriqileng, citing his volume and pressure style. He notes that Zahabi is a low-volume counter puncher who doesn't wrestle much, and Aoriqileng will come forward with blitzes and constant pressure. He believes Zahabi's wrestling is not good enough to neutralize Aoriqileng, and the volume difference should win rounds. He acknowledges the risk of a bad Canadian decision but still picks Aoriqileng.
Connor also picks Aoriqileng, noting that Zahabi's wins came against fighters who wouldn't engage or lacked physicality, while his losses to Vince Morales and Ricardo Ramos were not close. He points out that Aoriqileng is a little slow-paced but has more promise in his fights with Jeff Molina and Cody Durden, where a method was visible. Connor suggests it would be a good time for Zahabi to show wrestling, but Aoriqileng is not easy to keep down.
Daniel Levi does not make a pick for this fight, stating he has no interest in betting it. He notes that Aoriqileng has power but questionable takedown defense, while Zahabi has low activity and is older. He defers to the co-host who has a teammate in the fight.
James picks Aoriqileng, noting his momentum with two straight wins and improved takedown defense and striking. He contrasts Aoriqileng's aggressive pressure and volume with Zahabi's technical but low-volume outside fighting style. James believes Aoriqileng can land heavier shots and push the pace to win on the scorecards. He warns that if Aoriqileng reverts to a brawler style, Zahabi could catch him with straight shots, but overall he likes Aoriqileng's spot and the even-money price.
Aoriqileng has shown improved defensive grappling since moving to bantamweight and has a volume and output advantage. Zahabi is a technical striker but often too timid, and his low activity is a concern. Aoriqileng's pressure and accuracy should earn him a decision, though Zahabi could win if he uses his jiu-jitsu. Low confidence due to Zahabi's potential grappling edge.
Paul picks Aoriqileng, emphasizing the volume disparity: Aoriqileng averages 6.07 strikes per minute vs Zahabi's 3.01. He notes that Zahabi's fights are low-output, and Aoriqileng's constant pressure should win rounds. He expects a close fight but believes Aoriqileng's output will be enough, though a bad Canadian decision is possible.
The MMA Guru picks Aiemann Zahabi over Aoriqileng, praising Zahabi's fight IQ and game planning. He notes Aoriqileng is predictable with big power shots and telegraphs his moves, while Zahabi can figure out opponents and mix things up. He believes Zahabi's size and heat behind his shots will keep Aoriqileng honest, predicting a 30-27 decision.
Zane picks Aoriqileng, criticizing Zahabi's last fight as extremely technical but aimless, with fighters standing too far apart. He notes that Zahabi is a brawler who doesn't understand fighting without chaos, while Aoriqileng has a clear method: he works his way forward, applies pressure, and punishes mistakes with quick counters. Zane thinks Aoriqileng is better in a brawl and also better when it's not a brawl, making him the pick.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 54 of 105 | 51% | 54 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ricky Turcios | 0 | 27 of 235 | 11% | 27 of 235 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ricky Turcios | 0 | 7 of 53 | 13% | 7 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 21 of 46 | 45% | 21 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ricky Turcios | 0 | 10 of 84 | 11% | 10 of 84 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Aiemann Zahabi | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 21 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ricky Turcios | 0 | 10 of 98 | 10% | 10 of 98 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 54 of 105 | 51% | 18 of 59 | 9 of 14 | 27 of 32 | 53 of 104 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ricky Turcios | 27 of 235 | 11% | 14 of 204 | 5 of 21 | 8 of 10 | 27 of 235 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 12 of 23 | 52% | 3 of 14 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ricky Turcios | 7 of 53 | 13% | 3 of 46 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aiemann Zahabi | 21 of 46 | 45% | 10 of 29 | 2 of 6 | 9 of 11 | 21 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ricky Turcios | 10 of 84 | 11% | 4 of 72 | 3 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 84 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aiemann Zahabi | 21 of 36 | 58% | 5 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 14 of 17 | 21 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ricky Turcios | 10 of 98 | 10% | 7 of 86 | 1 of 9 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 98 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Turcios (-190), Zahabi (+160)
Round 1
Unexpectedly, this preliminary contest now is slotted on the main card, as bantamweights go at it. Tristar’s Zahabi (8-2, 2-2 UFC) makes his way back to the Octagon for the first time in over 16 months. He will do so against “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 29 winner Turcios (11-2, 1-0 UFC), who himself has been out of action since August. Cage corrosion will be kicked off in front of referee Chris Tognoni, and the returning gentlemen do not touch ‘em up before proceeding. Turcios very violently stomps the floor a few times for feints, and he wings a hook kick and lets loose a kiai to follow, even as it is feet away from the target. The Canadian ducks back when Turcios walks him down and flicks out several jabs, and he intercepts Zahabi on the way in with a front kick right on the chin. Turcios employs a more traditional martial arts stance, bouncing back and forth on his feet, and his movement is making Zahabi struggle to close the distance. The Tristar Gym fighter rushes forward, and he only manages to land one right hand before he has to back off. Turcios slaps him in the chest with a kick, and he puts another front kick out after stomping the floor loudly. Zahabi kicks him in the ribs, and he blocks a high kick and counters with a left hook. Turcios tosses up a head kick, and as Zahabi guards it and recovers, he shoots in for a takedown. Zahabi manages to sprawl well enough to break away and reset, and they trade kicks from range. Turcios just misses with a front kick, and he widely misses with another. As Zahabi plods forward, Turcios clips him with a right hook, and Zahabi keeps a stiff upper lip but may be stung from the blow. When Zahabi backs off, Turcios stomps the ground repeatedly and tells Zahabi to come on. Turcios kicks high again and pursues a takedown to follow, and Zahabi is wise to it. They kick one another in the body, and Turcios spins with a back fist that is at least a meter away from where he planned on it landing. Zahabi connects with a leg kick, and Turcios taunts him with a shout. The awkward stance and posturing of Turcios is allowing him to dictate much of the action, even if his high-flying strikes are all hugely inaccurate. Turcios kicks with body legs, and he jabs out several times, shouting every time. Zahabi swings and hits air in a counter, and the strange round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Turcios
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Turcios
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Turcios
Round 2
Turcios leads out with a glove touch, and Zahabi accepts it to start off the round. The leg kicks get traded one after the other, and other strikes do not find their homes. Zahabi blocks a few blows on the way forward so that he can sit down on a leg kick, and he slides back as Turcios comes at him with punches. Zahabi counters with a right, and he does not bite on the feints and shouts from Turcios. Turcios goes after a half-hearted spinning wheel kick, and Zahabi sprints forward to catch him spinning with a right. Zahabi keeps on kicking the leg, but his overhand rights brush past Turcios’ hair. The American kicks high, and it lands on the guard to little impact. Zahabi tries to throw the same strike, and it misses the mark. The accuracy rate for this fight is exceptionally low, as most strikes are either blocked or well short of their intended targets. Turcios comes out throwing hands, and Zahabi blocks each and every one and replies with a one-two. Zahabi’s leg kick may be his most successful strike, and Turcios pushes the pace but cannot connect with anything as Zahabi is slippery and evasive. Zahabi assaults the calf twice, forcing Turcios to switch stances briefly, and when Turcios returns to southpaw he lifts his leg repeatedly in anticipation of the kick. Zahabi slithers back and pops Turcios coming in. Turcios gives chase, throwing recklessly, but only a few of his punches come close to landing. Time expires to end this unexciting sparring match of a round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Round 3
The bantamweights meet in the middle to begin the final round, and Zahabi keeps his guard high to block any early strikes that come his way. Zahabi pounds on the inside of Turcios’ lead leg with a heavy kick, and Turcios switches stances to throw a kick but is miles away. Zahabi stops Turcios’ punches and kicks getting through, and his defense is solid but his offense is limited to low kicks and inaccurate counters. Turcios wings a right hand that is inches away, and he flicks out several jabs. Zahabi doubles up on leg kicks, and he swats away a punch and is similarly blocked when he attempts to load up on a right hand. Zahabi’s inside leg kick is paying dividends as Turcios’ wheel is slightly limited as he presents a minor limp. He does not slow, regardless of the damage, and he powers forward to throw punches that cannot find the mark. When Zahabi throws back, Turcios catches him mid-exchange with a pair of punches. Zahabi cleanly lands a low kick as Turcios ambles towards him, seeing the telegraphed strikes and playing matador to Turcios’ awkward bull. Turcios finally sits down on a punch, and Zahabi shrugs it off as if it never even landed. Turcios tosses up a light head kick, and Zahabi catches his plant leg on the way down with his shin. Turcios whiffs on a wheel kick, Zahabi wings a left hook that blows the hair back, and this fight is now mercifully over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Ricky Turcios via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is very confident in Ricky Turcios due to his high volume and pace, contrasting with Zahabi's low output. He notes Turcios landed 200 strikes despite being taken down 6 times in his last fight. He sees Turcios as a parlay piece and already has a moneyline bet at -175. He compares the matchup to Brian Barbarena vs Robbie Lawler, where volume overcame power.
Big Brady picks Ricky Turcios due to his relentless activity and minute-winning ability. He notes that Turcios has many holes in his game (poor takedown defense, hittable, reckless) but believes Zahabi's low volume (2.82 significant strikes per minute) won't capitalize on them. He thinks if the fight goes to decision, Turcios will do enough to win. He acknowledges Zahabi could win by knockout if he lands clean, but leans toward Turcios by decision.
Cody believes Turcios' relentless pace and cardio will overwhelm Zahabi, who fights infrequently and has low volume. He thinks Zahabi's only path is a knockout, but Turcios is durable and will outwork him over three rounds. He cites Zahabi's poor performances and lack of activity.
The host says he is picking Zahabi to win but does not place a bet on the fight. He mentions that Zahabi could knock out Turcios but is not super confident. He does not elaborate on reasoning beyond that.
Paul is interested in the over 2.5 rounds prop and leans Turcios due to Zahabi's inconsistency. He notes Zahabi has skills but rarely puts them together, while Turcios has a high work rate. He's not fully confident but sees Turcios as the likely winner.
The Guru picks Ricky Turcios, noting Zahabi's inconsistency and that his KO win was over a padded-record opponent. He believes Turcios' chin and pace will carry him to a 29-28 decision, especially as Zahabi is older and Turcios has a reach advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 1 | 9 of 11 | 81% | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Drako Rodriguez | 0 | 11 of 33 | 33% | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 1 | 9 of 11 | 81% | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Drako Rodriguez | 0 | 11 of 33 | 33% | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiemann Zahabi | 9 of 11 | 81% | 8 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Drako Rodriguez | 11 of 33 | 33% | 6 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 30 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiemann Zahabi | 9 of 11 | 81% | 8 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Drako Rodriguez | 11 of 33 | 33% | 6 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 30 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The first of several catchweight contests tonight comes to us next, in the form of a 141-pound affair between two finishers, who, like the previous match, have both fighters with a single decision win across their respective careers. Zahabi (7-2, 1-2 UFC) will have the pleasure of welcoming the heavy Rodriguez (7-1, 0-0 UFC) to the Octagon, and their match will be overseen by referee Mark Smith. A touch of gloves clocks in the fight, and Rodriguez is quick to take the center of the cage, and the two have a brief striking exchange. Rodriguez backs off and fires off a big right hand, and although he connects squarely with Zahabi, the Canadian does not flinch. Rodriguez presses forward into the clinch, and Zahabi is quick to break free and block an overhand right. Rodriguez wings a few punches and Zahabi covers up and backs off. Rodriguez nails the lead leg twice, and he advances to land a sharp uppercut. Zahabi circles away and stings Rodriguez with a jab, but he cannot take advantage of it. Rodriguez fires off a head kick that gets blocked, and a right hand that does not. Zahabi stumbles backwards but keeps his footing, only to take a strong kick to the calf. “The Great Drakolini” keeps his man at bay with several jabs that are more about touching his foe than doing any damage, and this disrupts Zahabi from getting anything going.
Out of nowhere, the Canadian sticks out a jab and winds up a monster right hand and unloads it square on the jaw. The strike crumples Rodriguez to the canvas on his side hard, who appears to be out cold. Zahabi leaps down to smack him on the side of the head, but it is academic at that point as Smith leaps in to stop the fight.
Although he hit the ground strangely and was dazed and confused with his arm trapped beneath him on his side, Rodriguez eventually comes to and is able to stand back up. What a wild knockout!
The Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi def. Drako Rodriguez R1 3:05 via KO (Punch)
Daniel Levi is low on Aiemann Zahabi, believing he hasn't been the same since a devastating knockout loss to Ricardo Ramos in 2017. He notes Zahabi looked gun-shy against Vince Morales, who he considers low-level. Levi thinks Drako Rodriguez has more fighting spirit and opportunistic finishing ability, though he cautions that Rodriguez is not the second coming of Christ. He picks Rodriguez to win via something opportunistic, but is not confident enough to bet heavily.
Expert Picks (1)
AJ thinks O'Malley will be too fast for Zahabi, out-boxing and out-kickboxing him. He notes Zahabi is a pressure boxer who is slower and worse at everything O'Malley does, and doesn't bring a serious wrestling threat. He expects O'Malley to get his win streak going.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!