I am a known Aimann Zahabi underestimator i am pretty sure I have picked against him in every fight except the Chito one and that was only because I know Chito is low volume. But despite being wrong on paper, they wouldn't have been awful picks. I think Aldo beat Aiemann, especially when you consider that fight could've been stopped. I also think Javid beat Aiemann but the yelling from his corner got him the nod. I only bring this up because I think his path to this fight has been somewhat laid out for him. He's a high volume striker who will need to somehow land more than Sean without absorbing any real shots because he has been dropped in his last 2 fights. I think Sean is the far more accurate and in turn, powerful striker. I think Sean ultimately controls the striking pace and takes a decision here, but he is 2 years removed from his last fight against an actual with even Song Yadong looking to wrestle. I don't love the straight moneyline odds, but Sean is the pick and there is likely some value in O'Malley by decision.

Sean O’Malley

Sean O'Malley is a very good striker with very real power and accuracy. He is athletic and pretty much does whatever he wants on his feet including a wide array of kicks and spinning techniques that actually land. We know he can be an absolute dog and we know he can fight a technical fight. His biggest asset is his pin point accuracy and his ability to use his reach well. He is coming off the the decision win over Song Yadong which at the time felt controversial, but on the watch back seemed like a straight forward 29-28.

Aiemann Zahabi

Aiemann Zahabi is pretty well rounded guy who has been around high level fighters and coaching the entirely of his life. While he is a mixed martial artist, he is more of a striker than anything and hasn't had a takedown in the UFC since 2019. He can be low volume at times but does have flashes of power, solid takedown defense and high fight IQ. He is coming off his 7th win in a row, this time a decision over Chito Vera where despite being dropped, he was the better striker.