“So he told me just to not over-respect him; he’s just another guy, nothing special,” he added, before quickly adding, “not to disrespect his career — just he’s human” in true polite Canadian fashion.
For Zahabi, Saturday’s matchup is a massive moment in his career — a chance to share the Octagon with an MMA luminary, at home no less, with a victory likely to create chances to compete against someone stationed in the Top 10 next time out.
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It’s a tremendous opportunity, one that the bilingual fighter has downplayed a little, perhaps just to keep himself from getting too excited or overwhelmed by the magnitude of things. But, at the same time, there is some deep truth and validity to the way Zahabi has ultimately been framing this weekend’s clash with Aldo.
“I’ve reached a point now where I’ve realized it doesn’t really matter who the opponent is,” he began when asked about the legendary Brazilian accepting this fight and his previous two assignments against dangerous, but lesser-known, talents. “The opponent is just a mirror, exposing you for your faults, and that’s all you can use them for. I’m sure he wants to go out there and impress after his last few fights.”
And that’s all Zahabi wants to do as well.
That, and hand Aldo his first loss on Canadian soil.
“I love breaking records, so let’s take that one from him!” he said excitedly when informed the Brazilian is unbeaten when fighting in The Great White North. “Let’s give him his first L (in Canada)!”
