Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Canadian fighter Aiemann Zahabi as he makes his UFC debut against Brazilian Reginaldo Vieira at UFC Fight Night 105 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Aiemann Zahabi Hometown: Laval, Quebec, Canada Age: 29 Height: 5-foot-8 Reach: 68 inches Weight Class: Bantamweight Camp: Tristar Gym Career Record: 6-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The younger brother of legendary MMA trainer Firas Zahabi, Aiemann is undefeated to start his career at 6-0. He has fought his entire career in Canada, winning all six of his fights by stoppage. Strengths
- Calculated fight approach
- Smart fighter
- Solid jab
- Good transitions in the grappling exchanges
- Good ground-and-pound
Weaknesses
- Not the most athletic fighter
- Doesn’t have great takedown defense
- Untested chin
- Opponents level of experience is rather limited
Fighter Grade Offensive Striking: C- Striking Defense: D+ Knockout Power: D+ Athleticism / Speed: D Footwork: D+ Chin: N/A Offensive Wrestling: D+ Takedown Defense: D- Submissions: C Conditioning: C Intangibles: D+ Overall Grade: D+ Matchup with Reginaldo Vieira Zahabi makes his debut in his native Canada against former TUF Brazil winner Reginaldo Vieira. The Brazilian certainly is the better wrestler overall, but his conditioning is questionable. This is also Vieira’s first time fighting in Canada. Zahabi will have the crowd behind him, but more importantly, a great game plan. Zahabi is coached by his older brother, Firas Zahabi, the head trainer at Tristar Gym who is one of the top MMA coaches in the world The influence Firas has on his brother is paramount. One can see each time Zahabi fights that he has a calculated fighting style and intelligence in the cage. I believe this will be a fight where Vieira will come out of the gates fast, but after the first couple minutes of action, Zahabi will take over. Whether it’s a combination of strikes on the feet or Zahabi gets position on the ground, he’s capable of a high work rate and pouring it on when his opponent tires. Look for Zahabi to get the win in his UFC debut either by late stoppage or decision. UFC Ceiling Zahabi is an interesting prospect at bantamweight. He has good size for the division, and his smart fight IQ will allow him to fight in the UFC right away. He doesn’t have the athleticism or power to make a push into the division’s Top 10, but he has the technique and game plan to win a few fights in the promotion. Fight Film Check out Zahabi in some of his most recent fights… Aiemann Zahabi vs. Wesley Bowman Aiemann Zahabi vs. Scott Farhat