In a time when many UFC legends are hanging up their gloves, featherweight great José Aldo continues to push forward. It’s clear that ‘Scarface’ still finds joy in the chaos of the Octagon—his dynamic style says it all. In fact, it’s hard to think of a single dull fight in Aldo’s storied career. With seven UFC title defenses to his name, championship reigns in other promotions, and highlight-reel victories across two weight divisions, Aldo remains a relentless force in the sport. However, the Brazilian is looking to return to winning ways after a loss in his last fight against Mario Bautista at UFC 307.
His next opponent, Aiemann Zahabi, may not be the loudest voice in the room, but he’s letting his performances do all the talking. The bantamweight out of Montreal has been steadily carving out his place in the UFC, quietly stacking wins and gaining momentum. As the younger brother of famed coach Firas Zahabi, Aiemann entered the spotlight with high expectations. With each fight, Aiemann is proving he’s a contender in his own right, and fans are starting to take notice. But who holds the advantage walking into the fight? Let us find out about it below.
José Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi height and reach comparison
The matchup between José Aldo and Aiemann Zahabi might have raised some eyebrows when it was announced. But the fight is definitely a treat for longtime fight fans. While both bantamweights bring different strengths to the Octagon, their physical attributes—namely height and reach—tell an interesting part of the story. While Aldo does have a massive advantage in terms of fighting experience, he also holds an upper hand in the physical aspect of the fight.
Aldo stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) with a reach of 70 inches (178 cm). Known for his explosive leg kicks, elite takedown defense, and sharp boxing, ‘Scarface’ uses his reach masterfully to control range and counter with precision. Despite moving down a weight class later in his career, Aldo’s physicality has remained a clear advantage.
On the other side, Aiemann Zahabi comes in slightly shorter at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) with a reach of 68 inches (173 cm). While the difference may seem small on paper—just one inch in height and two inches in reach—it could prove significant in a tactical fight. Zahabi, a calculated striker with solid fundamentals, tends to rely more on timing and accuracy than overwhelming physicality. In a hypothetical bout, Aldo’s longer reach and height would give him an edge in dictating distance and controlling exchanges. Zahabi, however, has shown he can neutralize range with patience and precision, often waiting for the right moment to strike.
While height and reach do matter in a fight, it’s how each fighter uses those tools that counts. When the former UFC champion made a surprising return to action at UFC 301, he looked in sublime shape. He not only moved across the Octagon swiftly but also landed some heavy punches in the fight. Zahabi, on the other hand, is also in the twilight of his career, but has shown that he is an exceptional athlete as well. So, how much do both fighters weigh? Let us find out about it below.
Who weighs more, José Aldo or Aiemann Zahabi?
When comparing two bantamweights like José Aldo and Aiemann Zahabi, weight might seem like an even playing field on paper. After all, both fighters compete at the 135-pound limit. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find there’s more to weight than just what shows up on the scale at weigh-ins. Officially, both Aldo and Zahabi make the bantamweight mark.
However, the real difference lies in what they walk around outside of fight week and how their frames handle the weight cut. José Aldo, a former featherweight champion, once fought at 145 pounds and even struggled to make that weight earlier in his career. When he dropped down to bantamweight later on, many doubted whether he could physically handle it.
And now it has come to light that Jose Aldo missed weight by seven pounds—the first time he’s missed weight in his consummate professional career. But here’s the kicker—his opponent, Aiemann Zahabi, missed weight by 8 pounds. Normally, the UFC would have the fighter who missed weight forfeit 20% of their purse, and the bout would have been deemed a catchweight bout. But this time, the bout has been moved back to Aldo’s original weight class, which is featherweight.
Whether Jose Aldo will be able to perform at the highest level at the weight class he once ruled is up to the outcome of UFC 315. Regardless, who do you think will win? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.
The post UFC 315: José Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi Height, Reach, & Walk Around Weight Comparison appeared first on EssentiallySports.