Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi: Live round-by-round updates: UFC Vancouver: Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi: Live round-by-round updates

Former title challenger Marlon Vera returns to the octagon seeking redemption when he faces streaking French-Canadian contender Aiemann Zahabi in a crucial bantamweight clash. Both fighters enter with different goals, as Vera looks to halt a skid, while Zahabi hopes to keep his solid run alive.

Vera, one of the division’s most battle-tested veterans, has endured a rough stretch after climbing to the top. He suffered back-to-back losses in 2024 to Sean O’Malley and Deiveson Figueiredo. The Ecuadorian standout aims to reestablish himself as a dangerous force in the 135-pound class with a win against Zahabi.

Meanwhile, Zahabi has quietly pieced together one of the most impressive comebacks in the division. After a slow start to his UFC career, the Montreal native returned in 2021 rejuvenated, racking up six straight wins. His latest win was a solid win over UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo.

UFC Vancouver prelims start at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT, followed by the main card at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT.

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Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the event:

Round 1

Vera immediately with pressure trying to force a reaction from Zahabi. He's attacking with straight teep kicks to the body. Zahabi lands a good inside leg kick. Vera lands a one-two combination and a high kick. Short check, left hook lands for Vera. Zahabi fires back with a two-punch combination. Zahabi's pressing forward now as he forces a frantic exchange. Vera lands a good right hand and a left kick. Zahabi lands a good left hook and uppercut.

Our Score: 10-9 Vera

Round 2

Zahabi goes back to attacking with the inside leg kicks. Vera fires back with check right hooks and low kicks. Vera catches Zahabi's kick and lands a few punches. Vera tries to attack with the flying knee. Vera lands a sharp jab that drops Zahabi. He swarms in for the finish. Vera lands a good shot to the body and extends with a combination. Zahabi is firing back now as he turns on the pressure and lands a good combination. A beautiful one-two combination from Zahabi.

Our Score: 10-9 Vera (20-18 overall)

Round 3

Zahabi attacks with a kick to the body. Good inside leg kick from him. He tries a spinning attack, but Vera forces a clinch and lands a good knee. Zahabi lands a beautiful combination that forces a reaction out of Vera. Zahabi seems like the busier fighter in this round. Good outside leg kick and a straight teep lands for Vera. He's attacking with the kicks now to keep Zahabi outside range. Good step-in knee lands for Vera. Zahabi forces a wild exchange in the final moments.

Our Score: 10-9 Vera (30-27 overall)

Official Result

Aiemann Zahabi defeats Marlon Vera by split decision (29-28, 29-28, and 28-29).

About the author

Abhishek Ramadasan Nambiar is a journalist who covers MMA at Sportskeeda. As a long-time practitioner of various martial arts, seeing the fusion of different forms into a quest for the ultimate fighter felt both primal and profoundly technical. At Sportskeeda, Abhishek's primary goal is to offer a fresh and distinctive angle through his writing, aiming to provide readers with more than just the basics of MMA. Along with keeping them informed about the latest developments in the sport, he strives to offer valuable insights that enhance their understanding of MMA.

When not writing about MMA, Abhishek often spends time reviewing music or devouring Brian Evanson's and Blake Crouch's work. Sign up to receive news, regular updates, and exclusive coverage.

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