Photo: Georges St-Pierre and Firas Zahabi
When I was invited to write a column about UFC 315, I accepted right away. For several reasons. The first is that the people at Punching Grace are credible and love what they do.
But I mostly accepted because this UFC 315 event means a lot to me. First, because it’s been a long time since the UFC came to Montreal for such a prestigious event. I believe it’s important for Montreal and Quebec to host these international events that shine on a global scale.
But this UFC gala is even more meaningful to me because Canadian fighters will be participating. They’ll have the chance to fight and show their talent and courage.
That’s already two good reasons. But there’s a third—maybe the most important of all.
Photo: Firas and Aiemann Zahabi
I’LL BE IN AIEMANN ZAHABI’S CORNER
Aiemann Zahabi will be making his professional debut. And I’ll be in his corner before the fight and between rounds. Aiemann is 36 years old and has a chance to break through in his division and climb the rankings. He’s facing José Aldo from Brazil—a very good fighter who has likely passed his personal peak. But it’s definitely not an easy fight.
Being in Aiemann’s corner—the brother of my coach and, I’d say, mentor in the art of combat and war, Firas Zahabi—will allow me to experience some very powerful emotions.
Of course, it’s Firas who will give the technical and strategic instructions, but I’ll be there to support and encourage the fighter.
It’s a magical moment for me. Through Aiemann, I’ll relive all the excitement of a first professional fight. I’ll find myself in the octagon, under the lights, feeling the nervousness and anticipation of those final minutes before the fight.
And this time, I’ll have the pleasure of reliving those moments without having to step into the fight myself. The thrill of adrenaline without taking the hits and the cuts. All the pleasure of mixed martial arts without the pain that usually comes with it.
I couldn’t ask for more from a fight night. And I’ll take this opportunity in the column to invite Quebecers to show up in large numbers to support Aiemann when the bell rings for the first round. We don’t say it enough amid the energy and excitement of a fight, but cheers and applause make a difference.
As my friend Joe Rogan says… There are some nights where it’s just all good.
Photo: «GSP»
