UFC Fight Night: Marlon Vera vs Aiemann Zahabi Preview and Prediction

A thrilling bantamweight matchup is set as Ecuador’s Marlon “Chito” Vera faces Canada’s Aiemann Zahabi. With Vera looking to bounce back into title contention and Zahabi aiming to secure the biggest win of his career, this fight promises to deliver high-level technique and grit inside the Octagon.

Tale of the Tape

Fighter	Marlon Vera	Aiemann Zahabi
Record	23-10-1	13-2-0
Height	5’8″	5’8″
Reach	70.5″	68″
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
Style	Muay Thai / Jiu-Jitsu	Technical Striker
Age	32	37

Marlon Vera: The Relentless Warrior

Marlon Vera has cemented himself as one of the toughest and most entertaining fighters in the bantamweight division. Known for his durability, forward pressure, and violent finishing instincts, Vera has never been stopped in his MMA career — all 10 of his losses have come by decision. With eight knockouts and ten submission victories to his name, he remains one of the most dangerous finishers at 135 pounds.

Vera thrives in long, gritty fights where he can wear down opponents and take over as the rounds progress. His slick Muay Thai combinations, vicious kicks, and opportunistic grappling make him a nightmare matchup for anyone who cannot match his pace or endurance. Against Zahabi, Vera will look to push forward, land heavy leg kicks, and make the Canadian fight under constant pressure.

SHOP: Kickboxing Pads

Aiemann Zahabi: Calm and Calculated

Aiemann Zahabi enters this fight with a strong record of 13-2 and a technical style shaped under the guidance of his brother, Firas Zahabi, the head coach of Tristar Gym. A precise striker with a well-rounded game, Zahabi has won six of his fights by knockout and two by submission. His patience, accuracy, and understanding of distance make him a tricky puzzle to solve.

Zahabi’s key to victory lies in composure and counterstriking. He’ll need to stay disciplined, keep Vera off balance with movement, and pick his shots rather than engage in drawn-out brawls. If he can manage distance effectively and frustrate Vera early, Zahabi could control the pace and score on the judges’ cards.

How the Fight Could Play Out

Vera will likely start slow, reading Zahabi’s rhythm before ramping up his aggression in the second round. Expect Vera to use his kicks to break Zahabi’s base, push him toward the fence, and unleash combinations. Zahabi’s technical precision could cause problems early, but Vera’s pressure tends to overwhelm opponents who can’t hurt him back.

If Zahabi can maintain his range and land sharp counters, he has a chance to outpoint Vera. However, over three rounds, Vera’s toughness, volume, and damage accumulation often become the deciding factors.

Prediction

Marlon Vera’s experience against elite-level competition and his proven ability to endure damage give him the advantage. Zahabi is a composed and skillful opponent, but Vera’s relentless style and fight-ending ability make him the safer pick.

Prediction: Marlon Vera wins via second-round TKO.