Marlon Vera vs Aiemann Zahabi Prediction: Marlon Vera aiming for the top 5 position in the division

Marlon Vera vs Aiemann Zahabi: Prediction and odds on the Match on 19 October, 2025

This Sunday, October 19, Ecuador Marlon 'Chito' Vera returns to the octagon in the city of Vancouver (Canada), where he will face off against the experienced Aiemann Zahabi. Aiemann Zahabi is used to being the underdog, but no more. The Canadian is on a 6-fight win streak and is finally getting his respect from the odds makers. Against former title challenger Marlon Vera no less. We haven't Vera for more than a year. It will be interesting to see how he approaches this fight, which should likely be a striking battle. Zahabi always comes with a great game plan, and he is great at adjusting on the fly to get a win. Who will win? We're taking a closer look at this exciting matchup at Telecom Asia and giving people the chance to bet for free.

Marlon Vera: Form and Statistics

Marlon Vera: Form and Statistics

Marlon Vera is back after losing decisions to Sean O'Malley and Deiveson Figueiredo. He wants to get back into the top 10 by using his trademark toughness and Muay Thai pressure. The former title challenger still has top-notch experience and finishing skills in every area. Vera has fought the best and is clearly motivated after losing two in a row. Before this losing streak, he had won six of his last eight fights, including one against Sean O'Malley, Dominick Cruz, and a brutal knockout of Frankie Edgar.

Marlon Vera: Strength

Marlon Vera has the skills and experience to beat Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Vancouver. Vera is a former title challenger who has elite Muay Thai skills, knockout power, and a tough chin that has been tested in fights with Sean O'Malley, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Pedro Munhoz. Zahabi's level of competition just isn't there.

Aiemann Zahabi: Form and Statistics

Aiemann Zahabi is on a four-fight winning streak going into this fight. He has beaten Jose Aldo, Pedro Munhoz, and Javid Basharat by decision, and he knocked out Aoriqileng in the first round. Zahabi's smart strategy and better boxing skills have made him a contender. Zahabi fought Jose Aldo in Montreal in May, which was his last fight. Aldo almost finished Zahabi and was in charge of the fight until the third round, when he ran out of gas. Zahabi took control in the last few minutes when Aldo ran out of gas. Even though all three judges said Zahabi won, a lot of people, including me, thought Aldo won the fight. Zahabi is under more pressure to do well, even though he has been on a strong streak, because some people are questioning his last win.

Aiemann Zahabi: Strength

Aiemann Zahabi has the skills and plan to beat Marlon Vera at UFC Vancouver this Saturday. The Canadian is better at defending against strikes (69% vs. 50%) and takedowns (83% vs. 72%). His smart, tactical style, along with great coaching from his brother Firas Zahabi, gives him an advantage over Vera's more reckless style.

Marlon Vera vs Aiemann Zahabi Betting Insights, Tips & Odds

• Marlon "Chito" Vera returns to the octagon on Sunday, October 19, at UFC Vancouver. He’ll face Canadian Aiemann Zahabi in a crucial fight to stay among the top bantamweights.
• Vera, ranked seventh, comes off a tough 2024, with losses to Sean O’Malley and Deiveson Figueiredo, pushing him out of title contention for now. He has made his country proud with big victories, but another loss could raise some concerns.
• Vera is still one of the most dangerous finishers in the division. But after a year away, questions about his timing and sharpness remain. Zahabi, fresh off a win over Jose Aldo, has proven he’s a legitimate threat. Beating Vera, a former title challenger, could push Zahabi into the elite ranks.
• Vera’s Muay Thai skills and relentless pace make him a violent finisher. He’s patient but often starts slow before turning it up with elbows, knees, and long-range strikes. Zahabi’s footwork and counter-punching could frustrate him early. Expect Zahabi to use his jab to keep Vera at a distance and score with clean, efficient strikes.
• Vera’s toughness and late-round intensity are his strengths, but his slow starts can cost him early rounds. Zahabi is great in three-round fights, making this matchup a clash of styles.

Marlon Vera vs Aiemann Zahabi Expert Betting Tips

Marlon Vera vs Aiemann Zahabi Expert Betting Tips

The fighter from Chone is coming off two straight losses—one to Sean O’Malley for the title, and another to Figueiredo. These losses dropped him out of the top 5. After a year off, he asked himself if he really wanted this. The answer was yes. He’s back with discipline, hunger, and a fresh mindset. This fight is crucial. If he wins, he moves back up. If he loses, things could get tough. He’s made it clear: “I’m going to fight like it’s for my next meal.” Chito wants to prove he’s still one of the best in the bantamweight division. Vera’s striking is diverse—his leg kicks, stepping knees, and head kicks are dangerous for Zahabi, who sticks to a more traditional boxing style. Vera can hurt opponents with one shot and finish fights in many ways. Zahabi has struggled with power punchers and close decisions in his streak. Fighting in Canada gives Zahabi the home-crowd advantage. He’s already benefited from some questionable decisions in tight fights. But Vera's slow starts could hurt him in a three-round fight, where the first few rounds are very important.

Our first prediction is +3.5 Spread Marion Vera - 1.60 odds for 1xbet

Our second prediction is W1 to win by decision or Technical decision - 3.20 odds for bet365

Our third prediction is W1 to win - 2.10 odds for Betway