Setting the Stage for the Confrontation

On the latest episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, posted on May 12, 2025, Aiemann Zahabi steps into the spotlight following his highly debated unanimous decision victory over Jose Aldo at UFC 315. The event, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, stirred significant controversy within the MMA community due to the close nature of the fight and Aldo's subsequent retirement announcement. Zahabi joins the show to address the backlash and share his perspective on the bout, directly engaging with host Ariel Helwani about the public's reaction and the scoring of the fight.

Zahabi's Defense of the Decision

Early in the discussion, around the 2:30 mark, Zahabi firmly defends his win against Aldo. He asserts that after reviewing the fight multiple times, he believes he clearly won rounds two and three. Zahabi describes how Aldo appeared broken by the end of the third round, emphasizing the physical toll he inflicted during their intense exchanges. He acknowledges the initial perception that Aldo might have taken the fight but stands by his performance, highlighting key moments where he felt he dominated.

Addressing the Controversy and Fan Reaction

At approximately the 5:45 timestamp, the conversation shifts to the controversy surrounding the judges' decision. Zahabi responds to sentiments from fans and fighters alike who labeled the outcome a 'robbery.' He expresses understanding for the emotional response, given Aldo's status as a legend in the sport, but maintains that the scoring reflected his control in crucial rounds. The fighter also touches on a specific incident during the match where Aldo delivered a soccer kick, admitting it nearly cost him the fight but ultimately did not sway the judges.

Emotional Weight of Fighting a Legend

Later, near the 9:10 point, Zahabi opens up about the emotional struggle of facing Aldo, especially amidst a weight class change debacle before the fight. He reveals being in a 'terrible spot' mentally, grappling with whether to proceed with the bout in his home country of Canada. Despite these challenges, Zahabi pushed forward, driven by the opportunity to compete against one of the all-time greats in UFC history, which added layers of complexity to his preparation and mindset entering the octagon.

Reflecting on Aldo's Retirement

Towards the end of the segment, around the 12:20 mark, Zahabi reflects on Aldo's decision to retire after their thriller at UFC 315. He expresses respect for Aldo's storied career and acknowledges the bittersweet nature of being part of what may have been the legend's final fight. Zahabi notes the intensity of their encounter as a fitting, albeit controversial, sendoff for Aldo, focusing on the mutual respect shared despite the contentious outcome.