After his last fight this year, Aiemann Zahabi was riding high. He had just taken out the previously undefeated Javid Basharat and proven that he really belongs amongst the top names at 135lbs. So when it was time to book another fight, he was looking up rather than down. The name Pedro Munhoz came to him alongside of a number next to his name, and there was pretty quick agreement.
“Munhoz was ranked [when they announced it]. So I didn’t have a name in mind in the top 15 that I wanted to fight,” he said. “I like the name. I wanted somebody up there ahead of me – I’m trying to climb the rankings.”
However, just after the fight was announced, the ranked status of Munhoz went away. Zahabi, noting that Munhoz hadn’t even been active, was originally confused by the move.
“They gave me Munhoz and he didn’t even lose a fight and they kicked him out of the top 15,” Zahabi said with a laugh. “It was funny because as soon as the offered me the fight, I say yes, and he’s out of the top 15.”
Regardless as to whether Munhoz is ranked, he was still excited about the fight. The name Pedro Munhoz carries with it a weight that he thinks won’t go unnoticed if he scores a big win on Saturday.
“He’s still a great name regardless – I don’t care about the number next to his name. People will see how legit I am [with this fight],” he said. “He’s only lost to the guys in the top 10 or top 15.”
As to how it all goes down, Aiemann isn’t getting ahead of himself. With Munhoz never having been finished before in his life, it may not be likely that he be the first. That doesn’t mean he won’t be trying.
“He’s never been finished and I’m not an arrogant guy, so I think we’re going to win by unanimous decision,” Zahabi said. “But in my heart-of-hearts, I’m hoping to be the guy that puts him away.”
You can see the fight between Zahabi and Pedro Munhoz as part of the ESPN+ prelims of UFC Edmonton. The fight card begins at 5pm EST this Saturday.
