The featured bantamweight bout at UFC Vancouver saw a tactical showdown between Aiemann Zahabi and Marlon “Chito” Vera, live from Rogers Arena on Saturday night.
Vera, who joined the UFC roster back in 2014, has long been a fan favorite known for his highlight finishes over fighters like Sean O’Malley, Frankie Edgar, and Dominick Cruz. Despite that success, he entered this contest on a two-fight skid, having lost his title challenge to O’Malley and then dropping a decision to former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. After some time away, he returned to Canada hoping to reset his run at bantamweight gold.
Zahabi, meanwhile, came in on the best streak of his career. The brother of Tristar Gym head coach Firas Zahabi, he’d won six straight heading into this matchup, including a career-best decision victory over Jose Aldo, which famously marked the Brazilian legend’s final UFC appearance.
Round 1 — Zahabi Finds His Rhythm Late
As the bell rang, Zahabi looked calm and poised in red shorts, while Vera bounced toward the cage carrying the Ecuadorian flag and drawing cheers from the crowd despite facing a hometown fighter.
Vera opened from orthodox stance, Zahabi switched between southpaw and orthodox early. Both men were tentative, trading probing low kicks and jabs. Vera found some success closing distance, connecting with a left hook and a few calf kicks, while Zahabi countered effectively near the fence.
The pace remained measured until the final minute, when Zahabi landed a clean left hook and followed with a quick counter combination after catching a kick. That strong finish may have sealed the round for the Canadian.
Round 2 — Vera Drops Zahabi but Can’t Finish
Between rounds, Vera appeared to adjust a dislocated finger before starting fast in the second frame. He pressed forward with sharper combinations and mixed in kicks to the body and legs. A left hand pierced Zahabi’s guard, and moments later Vera caught a knee and fired punches in return.
Then came the momentum shift — a sharp jab from Vera dropped Zahabi to the mat. Zahabi quickly scrambled back to his feet, but it was clear he was hurt. Vera stalked patiently, perhaps too patiently, as Zahabi retreated and focused on recovery.
When Zahabi regained his bearings, he began reestablishing his jab and pressured Vera late. Although Vera landed the cleaner shots overall, Zahabi’s composure allowed him to finish the round without further damage. The two fighters stared each other down at the horn before referee Jason Herzog separated them.
Round 3 — Zahabi’s Activity Steals the Show
Zahabi came out energized in the final round, circling and peppering Vera with volume. Vera responded with kicks to the body but fell back into his usual low-output rhythm, giving Zahabi openings to score.
Vera landed a strong left hook that opened up Zahabi’s nose, but the Canadian stayed busy with combinations and body kicks. While Vera’s accuracy was higher, his hesitancy allowed Zahabi to edge the round through persistence and pace.
In the final minute, Vera connected with a hard left hand that buckled Zahabi’s knees, igniting a brief exchange before the horn. Still, the fight’s story was volume versus power — and Zahabi’s work rate appeared to sway the judges.
The Official Decision
After three rounds, the judges returned a split decision: 29-28 Zahabi, 28-29 Vera, and 29-28 Zahabi — giving the Tristar representative his seventh consecutive win.
Watch the highlights below:
CHITO SITS HIM DOWN IN ROUND 2
[ #UFCVancouver | LIVE NOW on the @ESPN app | @ChitoVeraUFC ] pic.twitter.com/wFLUfCL7Xw
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2025
Both of them want this win!
[ #UFCVancouver | LIVE on the @ESPN app | @ChitoVeraUFC | @AiemannZahabi ] pic.twitter.com/ic4lFo2DiV
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2025
That’s now SEVEN wins in a row! @AiemannZahabi wins by split decision tonight!
[ #UFCVancouver | LIVE on the @ESPN app ] pic.twitter.com/Lty7PwhTDa
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2025
In his post-fight interview, Zahabi said he believed he had clearly taken the first and third rounds.
“I thought I won the first and third,” Zahabi said. “Every time I come into the cage, I leave everything in there.”
He added that he wasn’t seriously hurt by Vera’s jab knockdown in the second round and ended his speech by thanking UFC officials before calling for a showdown with Sean O’Malley next.
The victory continues Zahabi’s remarkable resurgence at bantamweight, extending his streak and moving him closer to top-15 contention. For Vera, it’s another setback that raises questions about his approach and output in key moments — something that has often frustrated fans and coaches alike.
