VANCOUVER, British Columbia – [autotag]Aiemann Zahabi[/autotag] wants to solidify his own name.
Zahabi (10-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) won his third consecutive fight when he knocked out Aori Qileng this past Saturday at UFC 289 in front of his home country.
Zahabi is the younger brother of renowned trainer Firas Zahabi, who has coached the likes of UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre and former Bellator champion Rory MacDonald at Tristar Gym. Zahabi is looking to build his name and hopes his current winning streak helps that.
“Really trying to get my name out there,” Zahabi told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “Really trying to represent Canada and increase my fanbase here. Everybody knows my brother Firas as one of the best coaches in the world, and I’m just trying to step out from under the shadow and be my own person. Have my own name out there.”
Zahabi has struggled to net fights, which hasn’t allowed him to build the momentum he wants. Although calling someone out can help facilitate that, Zahabi said he’s not that guy.
“I’m not really like that type of guy,” Zahabi said. “I’m not going to pretend to be Conor McGregor or anything, but I’m going to do what I have to do in the gym, prepare, and the fights will come. I’m not worried about any of that.”
Canadian fighters went 6-0 at UFC 289, and Zahabi is honored to play a role in helping MMA grow in his country.
“I think we’re going to be on a hot streak, man. That’s great,” Zahabi said. “I’m so happy for Canada especially. The sport needs to grow even more here. … When Canadians do good on UFC cards like this in our country, it’s amazing. Hopefully it pushes people to do more shows and get more into the sport.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 289.