UFC 315: Jose Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi: Live round-by-round updates
Jose Aldo steps into the octagon against hometown hopeful Aiemann Zahabi in a high-stakes bantamweight clash at UFC 315.
Aldo’s return to action last year reminded fans of what made him one of the most feared strikers in MMA history. He chopped at legs, slipped counters, and showed flashes of his vintage brilliance in a gritty win over Jonathan Martinez and a razor-close loss to Mario Bautista. Now 38, Aldo still carries commendable speed and veteran composure, even if the gas tank isn’t what it once was.
On the other side, Zahabi steps into the spotlight for his biggest fight so far. Fighting in front of a home crowd in Montreal for the first time in nearly a decade, he rides a five-fight win streak and brings a polished, patient style that wears down his opponents. His dominant showing against Pedro Munhoz proved he can hang with seasoned names, and beating Aldo would put him firmly in the top 10 conversation.
UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena airs Saturday, May 10. Early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card live at 10 p.m. ET on PPV.
Follow and stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live round-by-round coverage and event updates:
Round 1
Also takes over the center of the octagon immediately. He's opted for the high guard boxing stance, something he has been leaning towards in recent outings. Aldo hurts Zahabi with a four-punch combination. Aldo's boxing looks really crisp, and Zahabi needs to fire back with vigor. Aldo's leaning towards ripping the shots to the body. Double jabs and a follow-up right hand from Zahabi. He corners Aldo against the cage, and the Brazilian fires back with jabs and leg kicks. A high output round so far.
Our Score: 10-9 Aldo
Round 2
Aldo gets back to the jab-heavy attack. Zahabi fires back with double jabs. Aldo is looking for the left hook opening, and he counters with swing punches. This is a high-level boxing contest. The Brazilian is pouring on the pressure, and Zahabi is not showing any signs of slowing down. Aldo is getting the better of the exchanges. Zahabi is the one pressuring forward, but Aldo is doing a great job of cutting angles. Digging left hook to the body from Aldo. Zahabi penetrates Aldo's range with two straight left hands.
Our Score: 10-9 Aldo (20-18 overall)
Round 3
The pair get back to trading punches in the boxing range. Aldo hurts Zahabi with a few punches and a knee off the middle that drops his opponent. Aldo swarms for the finish, and Zahabi is visibly hurt. What a round! Zahabi fires back now, and Aldo seems exhausted. Zahabi senses Aldo slowing down, and he's pushing for the finish. Aldo tries to take Zahabi down. He ends up in the bottom, and Zahabi is looking for the finish. Big elbows from Zahabi and Aldo is desperately trying to survive.
Zahabi slices open a big cut on Aldo's forehead. Both fighters are exhausted at this point, and this could be a 10-8 round for Zahabi. What a fight!
Our Score: 10-8 Zahabi (28-28)
Official Result
Aiemann Zahabi defeats Jose Aldo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, and 29-28)