Aiemann Zahabi wants a ranked opponent after UFC Fight Night 246

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – Aiemann Zahabi wants to take a step up in his fighting career and feels he has earned the right to do so.

Zahabi (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) earned a dominant victory over former title contender Pedro Munhoz at UFC Fight Night 246 on Saturday – a result that snapped a five-fight winning streak. With the win over Munhoz (20-10 MMA, 10-10 UFC), Zahabi hopes to earn a spot in the official UFC bantamweight rankings, and if not, he would still like to earn a spot in the rankings for his next outing secure.

“It would be nice if I woke up on Tuesday and was in the top 15,” Zahabi told reporters at the post-fight press conference for UFC Fight Night 246. “If not, a big name who is in the top 15 would be too great. I need to talk to Firas and Sean Shelby and figure out what a good timetable is for our return. Maybe they'll come back to Canada early this year. If so, I'll be there. It’s never been easy for me to book a fight, but I had two this year and hopefully two or three next year.”

Zahabi's decisive victory over Munhoz is arguably his best career victory considering the Brazilian's name value. He believes he not only showed the world that he was a top talent at 135 pounds, but more importantly, he showed it to himself

“I’m so happy,” Zahabi said when asked about his performance. “Now I feel like I’ve earned my spot and now I don’t have to be afraid to get in there. I should do it with courage and bravery and I feel like I showed that tonight. I stood in there for 15 (minutes).”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC Fight Night 246 event hub.