Former bantamweight title challenger Marlon Vera of Ecuador returns to the octagon for the first time in almost a year when he faces off against streaking French-Canadian Aiemann Zahabi in the main card of UFC Vancouver. Marlon Vera was on the wrong side of two decisions in 2024, with the pair of losses bringing him to one win from four. In contrast, Zahabi is on a six-fight winning streak and has already claimed a major scalp this year with the defeat of former featherweight king Jose Aldo. This is an intriguing fight, which will show if Vera still wants it or if Zahabi is the real deal. The Canadian fighter is a slight favorite in early odds.
Bet on Marlon Vera vs Aiemann Zahabi with Bet365
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi Fight Details
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Time: 16:30 PST
- Venue: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Where to Watch Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi Live on TV or Stream
| Country | TV Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
| UK | TNT Sports, UFC Fight Pass |
| US | ESPN+ |
| Canada | DAZN, UFC Fight Pass |
| Nigeria | Supersport, UFC Fight Pass |
| South Africa | Supersport, DSTV Stream |
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi Fight Preview
Marlon Vera: form and statistics
"Chito" makes his 2025 bow after losing both his outings last year. Marlon Vera dropped consecutive unanimous decisions to Sean O'Malley and Deiveson Figueiredo in 2024. He lost his championship bout with O'Malley at UFC 299 before a setback against former flyweight king Figueiredo at Abu Dhabi. Vera is known for some of the best knockout and submission wins in the division.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 32
- Height: 5'8"
- Reach: 70.5"
- Weight: 135 lbs (61kg)
- Record: 23-10-1 (Draw)
Aiemann Zahabi: form and statistics
After a rough start to his UFC career, which returned one win from three and a two-year break from the sport, Canadian bantamweight Aiemann Zahabi has put together a run of wins that has elevated him to the top ten of the weight class. Six wins on the trot against top talent have earned Zahabi the spotlight. In his last fight, the 37-year-old dug in deep to earn a decision over UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo. The fight was prosecuted at featherweight after Aldo, a former two-time UFC featherweight champion, failed to make weight.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 37
- Height: 5'8"
- Reach: 68"
- Weight: 135 lbs (61kg)
- Record: 13-2
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi Fight Prediction
Expect a high-level MMA action in the octagon this weekend with two fighters looking to make a statement win. A win here for Aiemann could be his biggest scalp in the promotion, while "Chito" losing here will lead to questions being asked about his career. The fight is likely to go to the fighter who wants it the most. We think that the fighter will be Marlon Vera. Bet on Vera to win.
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi Betting Odds
| Bookmakers | Vera to win | Fight to go the distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | 2.10 | 1.31 |
| 1xbet | 2.06 | 1.33 |
| Paripesa | 2.06 | 1.33 |
