Ayman Zahavi and Pedro Munhoz, UFC Edmonton Ceremonial Weigh-in Credit: Jay Anderson/Cageside Press
Canadian bantamweight Ayeman Zahavi will look for his fifth straight win when he faces 135-pound veteran Pedro Munhoz at UFC Edmonton.
Zahavi entered the fight by defeating up-and-comer Javid Basharat, a feat that likely earned him a matchup with Munhoz, who was in the same cage as some of the best in the bantamweight division.
Both fighters started the opening round feeling each other’s feet. While Munhoz put pressure on the front line, Zahavi tried to counter from a distance. Munhoz landed several low leg kicks that caught Zahavi’s attention. In the final moments, Zahavi landed the most important attack of the round, a high kick.
Munhoz continued to advance in the second round, keeping Zahavi on the back foot. Zahavi showed a good jab to keep Munhoz at bay and followed up with a big straight right. Zahavi began to take control midway through the second round, landing sharp combinations to Munhoz’s body and head. All of Munhoz’s takedown attempts in the second round were unsuccessful. Zahavi displayed very good takedown defense throughout the entire 10 minutes.
Going into the final round, Zahavi appeared to be leading the fight. Both fighters exchanged heavy blows on the inside in the third round. Munhoz landed a left hook that snapped Zahavi’s head back, but the Canadian contender fought back with a jab that cut him above the eye. After the final gong sounded, Zahavi defeated Munhoz 95-82 with a significant blow. Munhoz attempted six takedowns, but was unable to land any of them. The judges ruled unanimously in Zahavi’s favor (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). The win marked the fifth straight victory for Zahavi, who has a legitimate run at 135 pounds.
Official result: Ayeman Zahavi def. Pedro Munhoz unanimous decision (29-28×2, 30-27)
