UFC Vancouver: Aiemann Zahabi full media day interview
UFC Fight Night 262’s Aiemann Zahabi spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters at media day for his bantamweight bout vs. Marlon Vera.
VANCOUVER – Aiemann Zahabi is seeking flawless victory against Marlon Vera at UFC Fight Night 262.
Zahabi (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) will look to extend his five-fight winning streak Saturday when he clashes with Vera (21-10-1 MMA, 15-9 UFC) in a bantamweight bout at Rogers Arena in Vancouver (ESPN+). It’s a key fight for his career after beating UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo in May, and one where he intends to shine.
With “Chito” coming into the fight from a career-long layoff and making adjustments to his game, Zahabi wants to slam the door on the comeback and move his position closer to a championship opportunity.
“I think the layoff is because he wants to improve on his game,” Zahabi told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s media day. “I think he’s lost his last couple of fights. I’m expecting the most dangerous, vicious, energetic, explosive Marlon Vera we’ve ever seen. I’m prepared for him to be the best version of himself. … I’ve prepared myself for a war. I don’t want it to have to be battle of attrition. I would love to outplay him. That’s my goal. I want to outplay him, outclass his. But if it has to be a battle of attrition, I want to be the last man standing.”
Vera has one of the most durable chins that has ever been seen inside the octagon. Zahabi likes his chances of being the first to finish the Ecuadorian, and if he does, he can see a situation where his next fight is against bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili.
“He’s been in a lot of wars – chins don’t improve,” Zahabi said. “They get worse over time. I have some of the best defensive skills in UFC history, and I’m going to show defense wins fights. Not taking too much damage unnecessarily can really pay off in your career.
“I’m proud that the bantamweight division has a champion like (Dvalishvili), that shows the humility. He reminds me of Georges St-Pierre in that sense. Much respect to both guys and I’m excited to come out and face them. If Merab keeps clearing the guys ahead of me, there might be a route for me for a title fight beating Marlon Vera in 2026. Who knows?”
