UFC 315: Jose Aldo Returns to Face Rising Star Aiemann Zahabi in Montreal

The UFC has announced an exciting addition to its upcoming UFC 315 event, set to take place on May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. In a thrilling bantamweight matchup, former featherweight king Jose Aldo will face off against local favorite and surging contender Aiemann Zahabi.

Jose Aldo will fight Aiemann Zahabi at #UFC315 on May 10th. (first rep. @BenBeaudoin_) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2025 pic.twitter.com/cl0azjSylE

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) February 25, 2025

This bout adds another layer of intrigue to an already stacked card, which features two title fights at the top of the bill. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through the MMA community, as fans eagerly anticipate the return of “The King of Rio” to Canadian soil.

A Clash of Generations: Aldo’s Experience vs. Zahabi’s Momentum

Jose Aldo (32-9 MMA, 14-8 UFC) needs no introduction to MMA fans. The Brazilian legend, once considered the greatest featherweight of all time, has had a storied career filled with championship glory and memorable battles. However, recent years have seen Aldo face new challenges as he navigates the competitive landscape of the bantamweight division.

Aldo’s journey since his return from retirement in early 2024 has been a mixed bag. After securing a victory against Jonathan Martinez, Aldo stumbled in his most recent outing, dropping a split decision to Mario Bautista in October 2024. This setback has only fueled Aldo’s determination to prove he still belongs among the elite.

On the other side of the Octagon, Aiemann Zahabi (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) represents the new wave of talent rising through the ranks. The Montreal native has shown remarkable improvement since his rocky 1-2 start in the UFC. Zahabi enters this contest riding an impressive five-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory coming via unanimous decision against the tough Pedro Munhoz in November 2024.

Zahabi’s recent performances have demonstrated his evolution as a fighter, combining improved striking with his already formidable grappling skills. The matchup against Aldo represents the biggest test of his career and an opportunity to catapult himself into title contention with a victory over a legend of the sport.

UFC 315: A Canadian Spectacle with Global Appeal

The addition of Aldo vs. Zahabi further bolsters what was already shaping up to be a monumental event for the UFC in Canada. UFC 315 is headlined by a welterweight title clash between champion Belal Muhammad and the surging Jack Della Maddalena. The co-main event features another title bout, with women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defending her crown against French contender Manon Fiorot.

Stopped by our friends at @BellCentre tonight! 👋

The next time @BullyB170 & @BulletValentina step inside this arena, it is going to look a little different!

See you back here on May 10th! #UFC315 pic.twitter.com/mNbjJJCNet

— UFC (@ufc) February 26, 2025

The card is packed with compelling matchups that span multiple weight classes:

• Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales (Welterweight)
• Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva (Women’s Flyweight)
• Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Bruno Silva (Middleweight)
• Bekzat Almakhan vs. Brad Katona (Bantamweight)
• Nora Cornolle vs. Hailey Cowan (Women’s Bantamweight)
• Joel Alvarez vs. Benoit Saint Denis (Lightweight)
• Mike Malott vs. Charlie Radtke (Welterweight)
• Jessica Andrade vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (Women’s Flyweight)

The inclusion of local talents like Zahabi and Marc-Andre Barriault adds a special flavor for the Montreal crowd, while international stars ensure global appeal. This diverse lineup promises a night of thrilling action that showcases the best of what mixed martial arts has to offer.

As the event draws near, all eyes will be on the Bell Centre come May 10. The Aldo vs. Zahabi bout, in particular, carries significant implications for the bantamweight division. A win for Aldo could reignite his title aspirations and cement his status as a perennial contender across multiple weight classes. For Zahabi, a victory over a legend like Aldo would announce his arrival as a serious threat to the division’s elite.

With its mix of established stars, rising prospects, and high-stakes matchups, UFC 315 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of 2025. As fight fans count down the days, the addition of Jose Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi serves as a testament to the UFC’s commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and unforgettable moments in the Octagon.