Aiemann Zahabi can celebrate his birthday with fervor. The Quebec-born fighter of Lebanese heritage will turn 38 today. A closely contested fight and a win against former title challenger and fellow contender Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera will certainly add to the festivities at the Tristar Gym. The duo met on the main card of UFC Vancouver: de Ridder vs. Allen. But given how the fight went, the split-decision victory has already sparked widespread debate.

However, what truly surprised fans was Zahabi’s post-fight interview. Speaking with Daniel Cormier, Aiemann Zahabi called out former champion and currently #1 ranked bantamweight Sean O’Malley. The challenge sent ripples throughout the MMA world. Needless to say, most followers found it hard to believe. Zahabi has yet to reach the level where he can confidently call out someone like Suga O’Malley.

Aiemann Zahabi throws down the gauntlet at Sean O’Malley after UFC Vancouver

Thanking supporters and UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, Zahabi shouted at the top of his lungs, “I want Sean O’Malley next, baby! It’s me and the Suga show.” It didn’t take long before the call-out gained traction. MMA content creator Kevin wrote, “🚨FIGHTER CALLOUT🚨 Aiemann Zahabi Calls Out Sean O’Malley After His #UFCVancouver Victory 👀 Who Wins This Matchup If Booked 🤔.”

Months after making his featherweight debut, Aiemann Zahabi returned for a bantamweight clash against Chito Vera. A seesaw battle saw the bout go the full distance. After starting strong in the opening round, Zahabi almost yielded to the Ecuadorian’s powerful strikes in the second.

In the final round, the Canadian regained some foothold, ultimately securing a narrow win: two of the judges scored in his favor (28-29), while one went to Vera (29-28).

“Today I won and the judges robbed me,” an irate Vera wrote on X hours after the loss. “It will be a long night,” he followed up on the same. The frustration from Vera is understandable, considering this is the second controversial split decision in a row given to Zahabi in his home country.

As expected, the decision left many fans unhappy, who vented their frustration on social media. Let’s check out how some fans reacted to Zahabi’s call-out to Sean O’Malley.

Is Zahabi jumping the gun with the Sean O’Malley callout?

First, a reality check. Pulling out some known facts, one fan stated, “Big Zahabi fade coming. Respect him, but he’s not top 5. O’Malley puts him in a body bag...” While the latter part is debatable, the first part rings true. Aiemann Zahabi still has a ways to go before he can confidently call out the top names.

Another fan dismissed Zahabi’s call-out as a joke: “Yeah, Sean O’Malley after 2 gifted split decisions in a row lmao.” Since his last loss to Vince Morales, aside from wins over Drako Rodriguez and Aori Qileng, Zahabi’s other fights have all been decided via decision. His win over Jose Aldo from May did not sit well with fans, just as the Marlon Vera win from tonight.

This user seemed certain about the outcome: “O’Malley would split him in half.” In stark contrast, Sean O’Malley remains one of UFC’s foremost strikers, boasting a string of KO victories, including one over Marlon Vera, whom Zahabi just narrowly defeated.

Then, another fan barely retained hope for Zahabi: “Suga knocks him out in the first round,” they wrote. While such predictions invite debate, at this stage it appears Zahabi may be aiming a bit higher than his current standing allows. Finally, a well-wisher offered caution: “DON’T BOOK THIS! For the sake of Zahabi.”

In all likelihood, fans expect Aiemann Zahabi to gain more experience before taking the plunge into the big league.

More significantly, would the matchup even intrigue Sean O’Malley? Having lost the crown, the Montana native’s focus will be on regaining his lost glory. With Merab Dvalishvili well entrenched, O’Malley will need to secure a few big wins before circling back for a trilogy with the Georgian. Whether the comeback plan will include the rising Canadian contender remains an open question.

Do you think fighting Zahabi would benefit Sean O’Malley anyway?