Overview

• The bantamweights meet Saturday at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on the ESPN+ main card.
• Zahabi said he requested Vera after his last win and plans to showcase his defensive skills to outclass the veteran.
• Vera has not fought since an August 2024 decision loss to Deiveson Figueiredo, which followed his title defeat to Sean O'Malley in March 2024.
• After acknowledging burnout, Vera said he trimmed excess training such as long-distance running and insists he is not overlooking Zahabi.
• Zahabi enters with momentum that includes a victory over Jose Aldo, while Vera says Merab Dvalishvili’s rise at the top has renewed his motivation.