Aljamain Sterling, Belal Muhammad, and others react to "Ariel Helwani"-lookalike Aiemann Zahabi piecing up Pedro Munhoz at UFC Edmonton

Aiemann Zahabi's performance against Pedro Munhoz at UFC Edmonton impressed several MMA personalities, including Belal Muhammad and Aljamain Sterling. While some applauded Zahabi, others insisted that the Canadian next face a ranked opponent.

Zahabi squared off against Munhoz in a bantamweight contest in the preliminary card of UFC Edmonton. The UFC Fight Night event took place this past Saturday at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada. The 36-year-old entered the bout with a four-fight win streak. In his last octagon outing at UFC Vegas 87, Zahabi took on Javid Basharat and secured a unanimous decision victory.

Meanwhile, Munhoz was on a two-fight losing streak. He was coming off a unanimous decision defeat against Kyler Phillips at UFC 299 earlier this year.

In the opening round, Munhoz managed a couple of low leg kicks, which did little harm. Zahabi dominated the second round, countering the Brazilian with sharp jabs. He was successful in derailing Munhoz's plans, demonstrating excellent takedown defense throughout the fight. In the last round, both fighters gave it their all inside the octagon. The 'Young Punisher' landed a left hook, and Zahabi returned with a jab that caused Munhoz's right eye to be cut open and bruised.

After three rounds of action, Zahabi got his hands raised via unanimous decision. The judges scored the contest (29-28 x2, 30-27) in favor of the Canadian.

Zahabi's matchup against Munhoz elicited a reaction from Sterling, who took to X, writing:

''One of the things about Pedro Munhoz that he does so well is his constant forward pressure. It’s may be overlooked, especially when he starts to add in the calf kicks and the teep kicks to the body. Zahabi handling the pressure well so far. #UFCEdmonton''

MMA journalist Jedi Goodman cited Zahabi's resemblance to Ariel Helwani and wrote:

''10-7 Helwani #UFCEdmonton''

Muhammad had encouraging words for Zahabi, writing:

''Zahabi looked great today. Pedro is a tough tricky fight''

Alex Behunin asked for a ranked contender for Zahabi next, writing:

''Back to back wins over Javid Basharat and Pedro Munhoz for Aiemann Zahabi. Zahabi deserves a top 15 opponent next''

Vince Morales wrote:

''Dude Zahabi kinda piecing Pedro up #UFCEdmonton''

Check out more reactions below:

Screesnhots of MMA figures' reaction to Aiemann Zahabi's win against Pedro Munhoz.