Aiemann Zahabi reveals why he accepted Jose Aldo fight at featherweight for UFC 315
Photo byIn the ever-unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, flexibility can mean the difference between a career-defining moment and a missed opportunity. For
Aiemann Zahabi
,
UFC 315
in Montreal brought that moment. Originally scheduled to face former featherweight king
Jose Aldo
in a
bantamweight
bout, Zahabi was thrown a curveball when Aldo failed to make the 135-pound limit.
Operation Sindoor
PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak
India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan
Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list
With the fight in jeopardy, Zahabi had to make a decision—walk away or accept the bout at featherweight. Thanks to the advice of two key figures in his life, Zahabi chose to seize the moment.
Why Aiemann Zahabi agreed to a featherweight fight at UFC 315
When
Jose Aldo
showed up on weigh-in day unable to cut down to bantamweight, the
UFC
made it clear the fight could not proceed under the original terms. Zahabi, who was less than a pound away from making weight himself, received a call that changed everything.
'I just got into the blankets this morning, and I was at 136.8lbs,' Zahabi told Sportsnet. 'I was receiving the text and the calls to stop cutting: 'Jose can't make weight. He's 145. There's no way he's gonna make the weight…''
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here]
Esseps
Learn More
Undo
Because of Montreal's commission rules preventing more than a five-pound weight difference between fighters, a bantamweight matchup was no longer an option. That also meant Aldo wouldn't be fined the usual percentage of his purse.
'You could say no but fight's off,' Zahabi explained. 'Because they have the rule of the five pound difference, fight's off, basically.'
That's when Zahabi leaned on the guidance of his brother, renowned MMA coach
Firas Zahabi
, and teammate Xavier Alaoui—two people whose influence steered him toward going ahead with the fight.
'So my brother told me, what would X do?' Zahabi said. 'Xavier Alaoui, what would he do? He said, 'He'll renegotiate. He'd take the fight…''
Nicknamed 'The Breadman,' Alaoui's mentality of fighting 'anytime, anywhere' resonated. 'Xavier Alaoui, big shoutout. He's my spirit guy, my spirit animal,' Zahabi added.
'So, we negotiated with Sean Shelby, and he gave me an offer, I accepted, and the fight's on.'
Also Read:
Tom Aspinall reveals why the long wait for Jon Jones fight is a blessing in disguise
With his five-fight win streak on the line, Aiemann Zahabi now enters UFC 315 at featherweight, not bantamweight. Backed by the wisdom of his brother and the fearless mindset of a trusted teammate, Zahabi chose courage over caution—earning both respect and the biggest opportunity of his career.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Gunther dethrones Jey Uso to reclaim World Heavyweight title on WWE RAW
Image via WWE Gunther has once again reached the top of the mountain in WWE . The fight field was set for a huge collision on this week's edition of Monday Night RAW. Weeks ago, Gunther had announced that he would challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship on the June 9th edition of RAW in Phoenix, Arizona. The night had come and his opponent was none other than the man who dethroned him at WrestleMania 41 for the title, Main Event Jey Uso . Following an explosive rematch between the duo, it was The Ring General who shocked the world with a huge title win. Gunther has become a two-time World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso walked into the match less than 100%. He had been a part of a huge tag team match at last weekend's Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, where he and Cody Rhodes had defeated John Cena and Logan Paul. With momentum on his side, The YEET man was ready for the high-stakes title showdown; however, standing in his way was the dominant Gunther, who wanted to reclaim the title he lost at WrestleMania 41. As soon as the bell rang, both men went up against each other, trading blows and power-packed moves. Gunther tried to establish dominance, but Uso had the heart, the support of the fans, and most importantly, his son, watching at ringside. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo The champion came back each time to combat the fury of The Ring General. Moreover, this led to loud cheers from the WWE Universe who were enthralled with the action in front of them at the PHX Arena. As the title match came down to its final moments, Uso delivered a spear and looked to follow it up with a Uso splash. However, Gunther put him in the sleeper hold submission. The leader of the YEET movement tried to reverse it, but Gunther had the grip much tighter. After holding for a long time, Uso passed out, and the match was over. The dust settled, and Gunther was the new World Heavyweight Champion, which was a huge shocker. With The Ring General back on top, he now begins his second reign of dominance as the title holder. Also read: WWE RAW Results & Highlights (6/9/25): Gunther reclaims World title, John Cena's next opponent revealed and more
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NBA Finals 2025: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominates MVP race, with Haliburton and Caruso in hot pursuit
NBA Finals 2025: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominates MVP race, with Haliburton and Caruso in hot pursuit (Image Source: Getty) NBA Finals are here, and it cannot get more heated than ever, as fans have their eyes glued to TV and phone screens, waiting for every single update on their favourite basketball teams and players and how each one of them has been performing. The game is getting more interesting day by day, and so far, only two games have been played for the 2025 NBA Finals, but how has each player performed so far? Who will secure the win? How have the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers ' players performed so far? There is nothing more interesting than seeing how Oklahoma City Thunder's star face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance has turned out this season. He's brilliant and he's only getting better, as he's the face leading the NBA Finals MVP race as one of the strongest contenders so far. Along with SGA, NBA's top scorers this season also include Tyrese Haliburton, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, and Pascal Siakam, who have played brilliantly. Shai Gilgeous Alexander Oklahoma City Thunder's brilliant star face this season has to be Shai Gilgeous Alexander, who is averaging at 36 points, with 5 rebounds and 5.5 assists. He's playing mindfully and is brilliant at best. Making more efficient moves and maintaining his calm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Hence, Shai has truly proved how he's the best contender for Final MVP, and there's no going back. Tyrese Haliburton Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton has become a big deal this season, with his terrific performance in the NBA Finals. Haliburton has hence proved that he's not just the best, but also the greatest so far, currently averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Haliburton could maintain his consistency playing with the Indiana Pacers, as Oklahoma City Thunder has also moved up ladder. Alex Caruso Oklahoma City Thunder's Alex Caruso's average has been 15.5 points. His rounds were 4.5 and 1.5 assists, and he has been a brilliant face this season, with his power-packed performance that is not only giving results but is also leveraging the team's strength to move upwards. So far, till Game 2, Caruso has maintained the score for himself. Jalen Williams Oklahoma City Thunders' brilliant face Jalen Williams is promising this season, as he's averaging at 18 points, with 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Pascal Siakam The Indiana Pacers' fierce player is Pascal Siakam, and he's not backing down. His average is 17.8 points, with 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Also Read: Oklahoma City Thunder Bounces Back To Secure Their First Win Of 2025 NBA Finals Against Indiana Pacers
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'He went back on his word' - Ariel Helwani on Dana White's statement indicating a silent exit by Jon Jones from heavyweight title unification bout
Jon Jones and Dana White. Photo via Getty Images The Ariel Helwani Show highlighted some of the real answers that UFC boss Dana White has provided fans regarding the future course of action within the heavyweight division of the promotion. Helwani, in his recent episode, condemned the attitude being displayed by the current heavyweight champion, Jon Jones , regarding the highly anticipated title unification bout . In one of the segments of the episode, it was also revealed that Bones had previously accepted a fight against the interim champion but later backed out for reasons that have not been disclosed publicly yet. Ariel Helwani analyses the recent comments by the UFC boss Dana White on the title unification bout, confirms further revelations to come on the issue Jon Jones' last bout within the Octagon was against Stipe Miocic, where the fighter retained his heavyweight championship belt. The only loss in his professional career came from his fight against Matt Hamill, and with a pro-MMA record of 28-1-0, the fighter has established himself as one of the toughest heavyweight contenders of all time. However, in recent times, Jones' ignorance to leave a positive sign upon his return to the Octagon against the longest reigning interim champion Tom Aspinall has stirred controversies and criticism towards the fighter. While, for the longest time, MMA fans had believed that the Bones had been ducking Aspinall, a recent episode of the Ariel Helwani Show, it has not always been the same. According to Helwani, 'Dana White said Jon Jones was offered the deal and accepted the deal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo The problem is he didn't tell you the whole story.' He further said, 'He didn't tell you how he went back on his word. Eventually, that part will come out.' "I'm TIRED of It!" - Ariel Helwani on Jon Jones 'Disrespecting' UFC Title, Tom Aspinall Fight Update Helwani, through his show, reflected on Dana White's recent comments and the change in the statement made by the UFC boss. While the promotion guaranteed a fight between Jones and Aspinall, Dana's comment in his latest press appearance tells a different story. The UFC boss is seen kind of giving up on the entire issue, 'If Jon doesn't want to fight. We can try to make him fight. Throw things at him that inspire him to fight. But we will figure it out.' Also read: 'It will explode' - Ilia Topuria makes a chilling statement ahead of lightweight title run against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 Jon had recently expressed his interest in fighting the former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, post the rumors of the latter's return to the Octagon. With the recent developments, the chances of Jon Jones facing Tom Aspinall for the title unification bout has got slimmer and there are no chances of fruition.
