Ranked Bantamweight contenders are heading to “The Geat White North.”
Per a recent UFC announcement, former title challenger Marlon Vera will face off opposite rising boxer Aiemann Zahabi at the upcoming UFC Vancouver event, which is scheduled for Roger’s Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on October 18.
The bout will be Vera’s first of the year after a difficult 2024. “Chito” scored his first title shot opposite Sean O’Malley to start the year, but he was largely pummeled in a one-sided loss. Afterward, Vera attempted to rebound versus former Flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo, but he was largely outworked for a second consecutive loss. He’s definitely in need of a win here, as well as a general return to the violent form that saw him rise to be a contender in the first place.
Conversely, Zahabi is a surprise member of the Top 10. After two years away from competition, the Canadian athlete returned in 2021 and started gaining momentum. He’s since won six straight fights, including a high-profile “Fight of the Night” victory over the great Jose Aldo in his most recent appearance. That win pushed him into title contention, and at 37 years of age, it’s likely now-or-never for the boxing specialist.