Sean O’Malley isn’t expecting Aiemann Zahabi to present many problems when they meet at UFC White House on Sunday.
The former bantamweight champion predicted a striking finish and took a shot at Zahabi’s durability while discussing his preparation for the fight.
O’Malley Predicts a Finish
Sean O’Malley said on Media Day that his main goal is to attack for 15 minutes straight.
“Turn a 15-minute timer on and punch the punching bag for 15 minutes,”
He also compared him to two of his previous opponents:
“Chito is as durable as they come. You saw what I did to Chito. It could be that Kris Moutinho style, come forward, get hit, but come forward.”
“It’s kind of what I’m expecting from him, but I don’t think he will be able to take the shots.”
Title Shot in His Sights
O’Malley believes a win could put him back in title contention.
“My next fight will probably be for the title, but I don’t know if the next title fight will involve me in it,”
“Seems like Petr-Merab is the way it’s leaning, but whether I wait or take another fight, I don’t know.”
Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi – What are the odds?
MMA bookmakers favor the former bantamweight champion heading into the UFC White House event, listing Sean O’Malley as a -280 favorite (1.36) compared to Aiemann Zahabi at +230 (3.30). The striking maestro O’Malley enters the bout with massive momentum, leveraging his elite 4-inch reach advantage and lightning-fast footwork to exhaust opponents.
However, Zahabi remains a highly dangerous underdog. The strategic veteran is riding a spectacular 7-fight win streak. Despite being overlooked in the past, he still boasts the kind of high fight IQ and sharp counter-boxing that can end O’Malley’s climb back to the title.