Aiemann Zahabi (PDF)

Aiemann Zahabi (7-0)

vs
Ricardo Ramos (10-1)
Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Current Odds (via Sportsbet): Zahabi $2.57 // Ramos $1.51

Aiemann Zahabi is the Canadian prospect fighting out of the Tristar Gym
under his brother and head coach Firas Zahabi. Aiemann is an extremely
technical fighter, with good knowledge and control of the distance. He has a
great fight IQ and patience, although sometimes that can be a bad thing. His
output of strikes is low, although he does strike accurately. His last fight, and
his UFC debut, against Reginaldo Viera was the first of Zahabis fights to leave
the first round. His accurate striking gave him the decision in that fight, but
Viera outlanded Zahabi and ate up his lead leg with kicks.
Ricardo Ramos is the young up and comer from Brazil with a wicked ground
game. Ramos is a submission machine and his ability to chain submission
attempts while in the scramble shows his talent besides being just 22 years
old. Ramos debuted in the UFC against Michinori Tanaka and showed
comfort in his striking, throwing brilliant counters and kicks from his Muay Thai
style.
This should be quite the interesting fight. Zahabi will do what he does best,
patiently out strike from range and try to win the decision. Ramos best bet is
on the ground, but getting it there will be the problem. Zahabi showed great
takedown defense against Viera, but those telegraphed attempts were a far
cry from what Ramos can present.
Tough fight to pick, Ramos is a young, hungry fighter who only seems to be
improving and Zahabi has all the Tristar gym and Firas-inspired tools to pick
up the decision. I’m not extremely confident in my pick, but I’ll choose the
underdog Zahabi, by decision. (Final pick may reflect any changes in the
odds)