Aiemann Zahabi

Early Life and Background

Aiemann Zahabi was born on November 19, 1987, and grew up in Quebec, Canada, within a Lebanese family. He began training in martial arts at the age of 15, initially for self-defence at his father's suggestion to build confidence and deal with school bullies. As his skills developed, a competitive drive emerged, leading him to pursue amateur competitions in mixed martial arts, boxing, and Muay Thai. Zahabi attended McGill University, majoring in accounting for two years before leaving to commit fully to a professional fighting career, having previously worked jobs including as a personal trainer.

His martial arts foundation includes a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a victory at the Quebec wrestling provincial championships in 2012. Zahabi has cited two primary heroes who shaped his path: his older brother, famed Tristar Gym head trainer Firas Zahabi, and Canadian UFC legend Georges St-Pierre, a longtime teammate at the Montreal gym. This environment at Tristar Gym, a world-renowned fight camp, provided the technical base and professional culture that would define his approach to the sport. The gym's philosophy of technical excellence and strategic fight preparation became central to his development as a mixed martial artist.

Early MMA Career and UFC Debut

Before signing with the UFC, Aiemann Zahabi built an undefeated professional record of 6-0, with every victory coming by first-round stoppage, a clear demonstration of his early finishing ability. He made his promotional debut on February 19, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 105 in Halifax, facing Reginaldo Vieira. Zahabi won the bout by unanimous decision, successfully introducing himself to the UFC audience and beginning his career in the world's premier MMA organization. His second fight came against Ricardo Ramos at UFC 217 on November 4, 2017, where he suffered his first professional loss by knockout in the third round at the 1:58 mark.

Following another unanimous decision loss to Vince Morales in May 2019, Zahabi faced a lengthy period of inactivity, partly due to a bout cancellation in December 2020 after he tested positive for COVID-19. He returned to action on February 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 185 against Drako Rodriguez in a catchweight bout after Rodriguez missed weight by four and a half pounds. Zahabi secured a first-round knockout victory at 3:05, earning his first UFC Performance of the Night bonus award and reigniting his career momentum. This win was a critical turning point, halting a two-fight skid and setting the stage for his subsequent rise in the division with a performance that reminded fans of his power.

Rise in the Bantamweight Division

From 2022 onward, Aiemann Zahabi began a sustained climb up the competitive UFC bantamweight rankings, securing victories against increasingly difficult opponents. He defeated The Ultimate Fighter 29 winner Ricky Turcios by unanimous decision in July 2022, demonstrating improved consistency and cage control. This striking prowess was followed by a disciplined unanimous decision win over the undefeated Javid Basharat in March 2024, a victory that proved his ability to handle rising prospects and execute a game plan under pressure. Zahabi's winning streak continued with a unanimous decision victory over seasoned contender Pedro Munhoz in November 2024, adding a veteran's name to his resume and further proving his durability. His 2025 campaign featured two of the most significant wins of his career, starting with a bout against former two-time featherweight champion José Aldo at UFC 315 in May. He won by unanimous decision in a bout originally scheduled for bantamweight but changed to featherweight at the weigh-ins after Aldo could not make the 135-pound limit, a fact noted by 16 out of 20 media outlets who scored the bout for Aldo. Later that year, in October at UFC Fight Night 262, he earned a split decision victory over former bantamweight title challenger Marlon Vera, another win that pushed him closer to a title shot and demonstrated his grit in a close fight.

Key victories during Zahabi's seven-fight win streak included a unanimous decision over former UFC featherweight champion José Aldo in May 2025 and a split decision win over former title challenger Marlon Vera in October 2025. He also secured unanimous decision victories over Pedro Munhoz in November 2024 and Javid Basharat in March 2024 during this period. Other wins on the streak were a first-round knockout of Aori Qileng in June 2023 and a unanimous decision over Ricky Turcios in July 2022. The streak began with a first-round knockout of Drako Rodriguez in February 2021 which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

• Unanimous Decision vs. Ricky Turcios (July 9, 2022)
• Knockout vs. Aori Qileng (June 10, 2023)
• Unanimous Decision vs. Javid Basharat (March 2, 2024)
• Unanimous Decision vs. Pedro Munhoz (November 2, 2024)
• Unanimous Decision vs. José Aldo (May 15, 2025)
• Split Decision vs. Marlon Vera (October 18, 2025)

This series of wins moved Zahabi to number six in the bantamweight division and solidified his status as a top Canadian contender. Five of the seven wins on the streak came via decision, highlighting his tactical approach and ability to win rounds consistently. His victories over elite competition like José Aldo and Marlon Vera demonstrated his skill against former champions and title challengers. As of October 17, 2026, he is ranked number 12 in the Meta UFC bantamweight rankings.

UFC Freedom 250 and Championship Pursuit

In June 2026, Aiemann Zahabi competed at UFC Freedom 250, an event held on the South Lawn of the White House. He was the lone Canadian athlete on the seven-fight card. Zahabi faced former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley in a featured bantamweight matchup. Days before the event, Zahabi signed a new six-fight contract with the UFC. He lost the fight to O'Malley by technical knockout in the second round.

Entering the fight on a seven-bout win streak, Zahabi aimed to secure a title shot with a victory over the highly ranked O'Malley, who was the number three contender at the time. He framed the matchup as a chance to represent Canada on American soil, specifically referencing the Canadian men's hockey team's loss to the United States in the Olympic finals earlier that year and stating his intent to get one back for his country. The fight took place on June 14, 2026, and ended with O'Malley winning by technical knockout at 4:02 of the second round, halting Zahabi's impressive streak on a card where all seven fights ended by knockout or stoppage. Despite the loss, Zahabi's participation in the historic event marked a career high point, and his performance maintained his position within the division's elite, as reflected in his number 12 ranking later that October.

Fighting Style and Statistics

Aiemann Zahabi is known for a well-rounded, technical approach to mixed martial arts, a product of his training at Tristar Gym under his brother Firas. He holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has a strong amateur wrestling background, which provides a solid foundation for his grappling and takedown defence, as evidenced by his provincial wrestling title. His striking is precise and calculated, contributing to a notable UFC record for significant strike defence in the bantamweight division, which stands at 69.2 percent, the highest in the weight class's history. This defensive skill makes him a difficult opponent to hit cleanly and allows him to control the pace and distance of his fights, often leading to decision victories.

Of his 14 professional victories, six have come by knockout or technical knockout and two by submission, demonstrating his ability to finish fights when opportunities arise, particularly early in his career. However, his recent success has often been built on consistent pressure and tactical decision-making, with five of the seven wins on his major streak coming via judges' decision. His career record, combining his pre-UFC and UFC bouts, stands at 14 wins and 3 losses as of October 2026, with a UFC record of 11-3. This record reflects a fighter who has evolved from an aggressive finisher on the regional scene to a disciplined contender who wins rounds against the world's best through technical proficiency and high fight IQ.

His UFC fight history began with a debut win over Reginaldo Vieira by unanimous decision in February 2017. He then lost to Ricardo Ramos by knockout in November 2017 and to Vince Morales by unanimous decision in May 2019. Zahabi returned with a first-round knockout win over Drako Rodriguez in February 2021, earning a Performance of the Night award. Subsequent wins included unanimous decisions over Ricky Turcios in July 2022, Javid Basharat in March 2024, and Pedro Munhoz in November 2024, as well as a knockout of Aori Qileng in June 2023. In 2025, he won unanimous decisions over José Aldo and a split decision over Marlon Vera. His most recent fight was a loss to Sean O'Malley by technical knockout in June 2026.

Place in Canadian MMA

Aiemann Zahabi is one of the leading Canadian fighters on the global MMA stage. He is part of a small group of Canadian athletes who are ranked contenders in the UFC, alongside fighters like Mike Malott, Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Gillian Robertson. His association with Tristar Gym in Montreal connects him to a legacy of excellence, including his brother, head trainer Firas Zahabi. Zahabi has named his brother Firas and Georges St-Pierre as personal heroes he looks up to.

Zahabi has embraced the role of representing Canada in high-profile matchups. Before his fight at the White House, he stated his desire to win one back for Canada following the Olympic hockey loss to the United States. His career trajectory from a Quebec prospect to a ranked UFC contender mirrors the growth of the sport in Canada. His technical fighting style and ability to compete against former champions have made him a respected figure for Canadian fight fans.

Career Achievements and Recognition

Throughout his UFC career, Aiemann Zahabi has earned several distinctions. His most prominent award is the Performance of the Night bonus, which he received for his first-round knockout of Drako Rodriguez in February 2021. A significant statistical achievement is his record for the highest significant strike defence percentage in UFC bantamweight history, at 69.2 percent. These honours highlight his skills and longevity at the highest level of the sport.

His career accomplishments include a mix of pre-UFC accolades and UFC-specific honours. Before the UFC, he won the Quebec wrestling provincials in 2012 and won some local BJJ tournaments. In the UFC, he earned a Performance of the Night bonus and holds the record for highest significant strike defence in bantamweight history. These achievements chart his development from a local champion to an international contender.

His career accomplishments include winning the Quebec wrestling provincials in 2012. He has also won some local BJJ tournaments and has won amateur fights in MMA, boxing and Muay Thai. In the UFC, he earned a Performance of the Night bonus for his knockout of Drako Rodriguez. He also holds the record for the highest significant strike defence percentage in UFC bantamweight history at 69.2 percent.

• UFC Performance of the Night award (2021 vs. Drako Rodriguez)
• Highest significant strike defence in UFC bantamweight history (69.2%)
• Quebec wrestling provincial champion (2012)
• Black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
• Seven-fight UFC winning streak (2021 to 2025)
• Victories over former UFC champions José Aldo and Marlon Vera
• Signed a new six-fight UFC contract in 2026 ahead of UFC Freedom 250

Questions about Aiemann Zahabi

What is Aiemann Zahabi's UFC record?

As of October 2026, Aiemann Zahabi's professional MMA record stands at 14 wins and 3 losses. His UFC record specifically comprises 11 wins and 3 losses since his debut in 2017. His UFC wins include victories over José Aldo, Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz, Javid Basharat, Aori Qileng, Ricky Turcios, Drako Rodriguez, and Reginaldo Vieira. His UFC losses came against Ricardo Ramos, Vince Morales, and Sean O'Malley.

Who is Aiemann Zahabi's brother?

Aiemann Zahabi is the younger brother of Firas Zahabi. Firas Zahabi is the renowned head trainer of Montreal's Tristar Gym. He is a celebrated coach best known for his work with former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre. This familial connection placed Aiemann at the heart of a premier Canadian fight camp from the beginning of his career.

Did Aiemann Zahabi fight at the White House?

Yes, Aiemann Zahabi fought at the White House on June 14, 2026, at the historic UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn. The card was part of America's 250th-anniversary celebrations, and Zahabi was the only Canadian athlete on the seven-fight pay-per-view card. He faced former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley in a featured bout, which he lost by second-round technical knockout at the 4:02 mark. The event was notable for all seven fights ending by knockout or stoppage, and Zahabi participated just days after signing a new six-fight UFC contract.

What is Aiemann Zahabi's fighting style?

Aiemann Zahabi employs a technical, well-rounded fighting style characteristic of fighters from Tristar Gym, focusing on defence and fight IQ. He holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has a strong amateur wrestling background, providing a solid grappling base for takedowns and submissions, as seen in his provincial championship win. His striking is precise and defensively sound, evidenced by his UFC record for the highest significant strike defence percentage in bantamweight history at 69.2 percent. While capable of finishes, many of his recent wins have come via tactical unanimous decisions, showing his ability to win rounds consistently through control and technique.

Where does Aiemann Zahabi train?

Aiemann Zahabi trains at the famed Tristar Gym in Montreal, Quebec. The gym's head trainer is Zahabi's older brother, Firas Zahabi. Training at Tristar has provided Zahabi with a high-level environment and a technical coaching philosophy. He is a longtime teammate of Canadian legend Georges St-Pierre at the gym.

What rank is Aiemann Zahabi in the UFC?

As of October 17, 2026, Aiemann Zahabi is ranked number 12 in the Meta UFC bantamweight rankings. This ranking followed a seven-fight winning streak from 2021 to 2025. He has been a top contender in the UFC's bantamweight division, which is known for its depth and competitiveness. His consistent performance against notable opponents has solidified his place in the division's upper tier. The ranking is a sign of his longevity and success within the promotion.

Sources and further reading

• Aiemann Zahabi (Wikipedia)
• Aiemann Zahabi (ufc.com)
• Aiemann Zahabi inks new UFC contract days before White ... (sportsnet.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.