UFC 315 Jose Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi Predictions, Picks & Odds

The legendary Jose Aldo faces off against hometown favorite Aiemann Zahabi in a bantamweight clash, serving as one of the featured betting attractions on the UFC 315 undercard.

UFC odds favor Aldo at -210, and my Aldo vs. Zahabi predictions don't expect an upset happening in this fight on May 10.

Aldo vs Zahabi prediction and best bet

• My fight prediction: Aldo moneyline (-210 at BET99)
  
  
• My best bet: Fight to go the distance (-360 at BET99)

Fight analysis
It's a testament to Aldo's dedication and skill he remains a force to be reckoned with at bantamweight after a long, legendary career, and he’s not too far away from landing a major fight against the division's top tier with a win here.

Zahabi is too old to be called a prospect, but as the hometown fighter, he brings the awkward style older fighters like Aldo often shy away from. This should be a technical striking matchup, and we’ll see who edges closer to a spot inside the division’s Top 10 when the dust settles.

I don't believe Aldo lost to Mario Bautista last October, but the judges ruled it that way. Before that, Aldo schooled Jonathan Martinez, proving he’s still a top-level contender. 

He’s doing it with veteran grit, sharp striking, and his incredible takedown defense — even champion Merab Dvalishvili couldn’t crack it. Aldo doesn’t waste movement and stays patient, and he can take the lead if necessary.

While Aldo’s offense is mostly limited to boxing, that’s expected at 38 years old with nearly 40 fights on his resume. Aldo no longer overwhelms opponents with activity, landing just 3.62 significant strikes per minute, as he relies on setting traps and countering.

Zahabi, just a year younger at 37, will also come in looking to strike. He’s won five straight since debuting in the UFC with a 1-2 record, most recently defeating Pedro Munhoz last November by landing 52% of his significant strikes en route to a decision.

This is a clear step up in class, and it’s questionable how much more of a leap Zahabi can make at his age, especially since he had his hands full with Munhoz.

While Aldo can’t rely on pace or volume, Zahabi can, using his awkward rhythm to disrupt opponents’ timing, often creating a striking deficit that’s tough to close. He’s also hard to hit, defending 71% of significant strikes attempted against him.

Both fighters are primarily boxers, and since neither is likely to pursue takedowns, Aldo has the technical edge unless Zahabi’s unorthodox style throws him off.

If Zahabi can frustrate Aldo and slow him down, it’ll be hard for Aldo to summon the power needed to secure a knockdown or late stoppage — especially since he hasn’t finished anyone since Jeremy Stephens in 2018.

Still, Aldo’s experience and superior striking fundamentals should tilt the fight in his favor and get him back in the win column.

Best bet analysis
Aldo’s measured pace and Zahabi’s defensive awkwardness make this a tricky fight to pick, especially with both fighters at an age where the switch can flip at any moment.

Zahabi will have the crowd behind him, and the potential for an upset is real. However, Aldo’s lack of recent stoppages and Zahabi’s durability ensure this fight stretches into the later rounds.

To avoid the chaos of a tight scorecard or potential upset, the safest and most pragmatic play is on the fight going the distance as the best bet.

Jose Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi odds

Method of Victory	Aldo	Zahabi
To win outright	-190	+155
To win by KO/TKO	+425	+730
To win by decision	+100	+265
To win by submission	+1750	+1800
Draw	+2500	+2500

Odds as of 5-10.

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Jose Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi tale of the tape

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