Sean O’Malley Alerted as Aiemann Zahabi Has Confidence of ‘UFC GOAT’ to Become Champion

Bantamweight contender Aiemann Zahabi reveals how a UFC legend's confidence is inspiring him ahead of Sean O'Malley challenge.

Sean O’Malley Alerted as Aiemann Zahabi Has Confidence of ‘UFC GOAT’ to Become Champion

Aiemann Zahabi will take on Sean O'Malley at UFC Freedom 250 (via Bloody Elbow, MMA Mania)

Sean O’Malley has faced elite competition in the last few years of his MMA career. He has also experienced setbacks, including his title fight losses to Merab Dvalishvili. However, as he prepares to face Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Freedom 250, the matchup is a tough stylistic test. Zahabi’s strong training background and established team connections add an extra layer of difficulty for the former champion.

Zahabi grew up in Montreal, Canada, and trains at Tristar Gym. He is coached by his brother and legendary coach Firas Zahabi, who has been part of his development. The Canadian bantamweight also enters UFC Freedom 250 on a seven-fight win streak. His preparation and career progress now lead into a matchup with O’Malley, who represents a major step up in competition at bantamweight.

Another major fighter from Tristar Gym is UFC legend Georges St-Pierre. He trained under Firas Zahabi during his amateur career and continued to do so throughout his professional development. GSP has also trained with Aiemann at Tristar, sharing sessions in the same long-standing gym environment. Ahead of his fight with O’Malley, Zahabi confirmed that St-Pierre would be involved in his camp preparation.

It’s really awesome having Georges St-Pierre as a mentor; he has achieved so much in a wide variety of things in his life. One of the things he told me when I was about to walk out to fight Jose Aldo was that there was a promo for Merab vs Petr Yan happening, and when I went for the walkout, Georges stopped me, and he was like, ‘This is nothing; we are going for that belt. That’s where you belong, you belong up there.’ He told me, ‘All you have to do is be yourself. Don’t try to go out there and be more than you are. ‘

Aiemann Zahabi via UFC on Paramount

St-Pierre has played a significant role in Zahabi’s career development. During Zahabi’s fight against UFC veteran Pedro Munhoz at UFC Edmonton in November 2024, St-Pierre reportedly called him backstage and advised him to maintain pressure and avoid slowing down. Training under his brother Firas Zahabi, regarded as a highly technical MMA coach, has also shaped his development and fight preparation.

Aiemann Zahabi’s recent UFC run has come under scrutiny due to narrow decision margins in key fights. His bout against Marlon Vera at UFC Vancouver was highly protested due to its close nature. Before that, many believed he did not clearly earn the unanimous decision against UFC legend Jose Aldo at UFC 315. These results have increased scrutiny on the Canadian native’s recent performances and outcomes.

Sean O’Malley enters UFC Freedom 250 on winning momentum following his UFC 324 victory over Song Yadong in January 2026. However, Aiemann Zahabi is aiming to prove a point after recent scrutiny around his performances. With support from Georges St-Pierre and Firas Zahabi behind him, he carries strong backing. June 14 at UFC Freedom 250 sets up a clash of momentum versus redemption.

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UFC veteran believes that Aiemann Zahabi poses a major threat to Sean O’Malley

Sean O’Malley is undoubtedly one of the biggest superstars in the UFC. However, his aura took a major dip following back-to-back title fight losses to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 and UFC 316. Those defeats raised questions about his championship-level consistency and overall form in competition. As he heads into UFC Freedom 250, scrutiny remains despite an impressive showing over Song Yadong at UFC 324.

Sean O'Malley and Aiemann Zahabi facing off
Sean O’Malley and Aiemann Zahabi facing off (via Bloody Elbow)

One of the biggest potential matchups linked to O’Malley before UFC Freedom 250 was a fight against Cory Sandhagen. Sandhagen had been campaigning for a bout against ‘Suga’ for years, but the matchup never materialized despite ongoing fan and divisional interest. Recently, ‘The Sandman’ also weighed in on how Aiemann Zahabi presents a serious challenge to O’Malley heading into their fight.

I think O’Malley will almost certainly win, but Zahabi is definitely going to be a harder problem to solve than Sean gives him credit for. Sean’s very, very good. I think he’s a lot better than all of the other guys Zahabi has fought. I think Sean will win simply because he’s better than him. Sometimes, Sean can be a little too much of a perfectionist, and I think that works against him, so he’ll have to deal with that. But even with that, I think he’ll win

Cory Sandhagen via The Ariel Helwani Show

Cory Sandhagen is preparing for his upcoming fight against Mario Bautista at UFC 329. He has already accused Sean O’Malley of ducking him by opting to face Aiemann Zahabi at the White House event instead. Sandhagen remains a potential challenger, depending on how UFC Freedom 250 plays out. The winner of O’Malley vs Zahabi could still shape his next step in the 135-pound divisional title picture.

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