On the night of May 11, 2025, the UFC 315 tournament will light up Montreal, Canada, featuring an exciting lineup of fights that promise to deliver thrilling action. Among the main events, legendary Brazilian fighter Jose Aldo will step into the octagon to face Canadian Aymann Zakhaby in a bout that has recently shifted to the lightweight division.
The fight is set to begin at 05:30 Moscow time, and fans are eager to see how Aldo, a seasoned veteran with a record of 32 wins and 9 losses, will perform against Zakhaby, who holds a record of 12 wins and 2 losses. Aldo, now 38 years old, is known for his tactical prowess inside the cage. With 14 of his 32 victories coming by way of decision, including a notable win over Jonathan Martinez in May 2024, Aldo has mastered the art of controlling distance and landing precise strikes.
Aldo's striking statistics are impressive; in his last fight against Bautista, he managed to land 89 significant strikes. However, he is also recognized for his cautious fighting style, having achieved only one early finish in his last five years of competition. His ability to control the pace of the fight and deliver effective body shots, with a striking accuracy of 43%, makes him a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Aymann Zakhaby, at 37 years old, brings a different dynamic to the matchup. He boasts a 'clean' record over the last three years, with 4 of his 12 wins coming by decision. Despite his recent success, including a victory against Pedro Munoz in November 2024, Zakhaby has faced challenges, such as allowing four takedowns in that fight. His striking defense stands at 68%, which is below the division average, raising questions about how he will cope with Aldo's striking precision.
Interestingly, Zakhaby has found success fighting on home turf, with 7 of his 12 victories occurring in Canada. He enters this fight on a four-fight winning streak, and the pressure of performing at home could play a significant role in his performance against Aldo.
The odds for the fight reflect Aldo's experience and skill, with his victory priced at 1.42, while Zakhaby's odds stand at 2.86. Additionally, Aldo's chances of winning by decision are set at 2.50, indicating that many expect the fight to go the distance.
As the fight approaches, the weigh-in results have added an unexpected twist to the matchup. Aldo weighed in at 143 pounds (64.9 kg), while Zakhaby came in slightly lighter at 142 pounds (64.4 kg). The shift to the lightweight division, initially intended for the bantamweight class, raises questions about Aldo's ability to maintain his performance levels as he navigates the challenges of a higher weight class.
The main card for UFC 315 is packed with other exciting bouts. The headline event features a welterweight title fight between American Belal Muhammad (24-3) and Australian Jack Della Maddalena (17-2). This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as both fighters look to claim the championship belt. Additionally, Kyrgyz champion Valentina Shevchenko (24-4-1) will face French contender Manon Fioro (12-1) in another title bout, showcasing the depth of talent on display.
Other notable matchups on the main card include Alexa Grasso (16-4-1) taking on Natalia Silva (18-5-1) and Benua Saint-Denis (13-3) competing against Kyle Prepolec (18-8). The preliminary card features fighters such as Mike Mallott, Jessica Andrade, Modestas Bukauskas, and others, ensuring a full night of action for MMA fans.
Fans can catch the live broadcast of UFC 315 on the Match! and Match! Boets TV channels, starting at 01:30 Moscow time. As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the octagon to see if Jose Aldo can leverage his experience and tactical acumen against the rising star Aymann Zakhaby in a fight that could have significant implications for both fighters’ careers.
With the stage set and the fighters ready, UFC 315 promises to deliver unforgettable moments and possibly reshape the landscape of the lightweight division. Will Aldo's experience prevail, or can Zakhaby capitalize on his home advantage to secure a victory? Fans eagerly await the answers as the action unfolds in Montreal.
