Firas Zahabi's brother Aiemann Zahabi talks training on grass to prepare for UFC Freedom 250 fight against Sean O'Malley

Aiemann Zahabi, who's the younger brother of Firas Zahabi, has opened up about his special outdoor training for his upcoming fight. Aiemann specifically explained the reason behind his training on grass for his clash against "Sugar" Sean O'Malley. 

Presently, Zahabi is booked to take on former UFC bantamweight champion O'Malley in a three-round bantamweight matchup.

Their fight is a part of the high-profile UFC Freedom 250 event that'll transpire on the White House's South Lawn in Washington, D.C., on June 14. 

A number of fans and experts have expressed their concerns about how the elements such as humidity, rainfall, insects, etc., could impact the athletes' performances come fight night in the outdoor setting. 

Firas Zahabi and Aiemann Zahabi train outdoors on grass for Sean O'Malley clash at UFC Freedom 250

In episode No. 4 of the UFC Freedom 250 Embedded: Vlog Series, legendary MMA coach Firas Zahabi was seen training his brother Aiemann Zahabi for his 135-pound bout that'll go down at the UFC White House event. 

At the James Creek Marina in Washington, D.C., Firas Zahabi and Aiemann Zahabi trained in an outdoor environment for the latter's fight. Firas pointed out that all his training was pretty much over and their primary focus was on the ongoing weight cut. 

Firas stated, "Today, we're going to work some drills, some basics, some mitts, some shadowboxing, some technique. You know, some little things. Keep it short and sweet...Now we just wanna open up his lungs, and kind of just burn some weight." 

On the other hand, Aiemann jestingly indicated that he's pampered by his team during fight week. He said, "Fight week feels nice, you know? They pamper you fight week. I got two guys to tie my gloves." 

Aiemann added, "I feel like the (octagon) canvas might be moist, or wet, or a little bit more slippery. Training on grass gives you that little slippery feeling." 

He further noted, "So we came out early to just test it out and get used to the humidity, because when the air is humid, it's heavy. So you sweat earlier, and it's harder to cool down. So I just want my body to acclimate. But I don't need perfect conditions to win. I just need the condition." 

Furthermore, Aiemann alluded to his seven-fight win streak, adding that competing on the White House card would help him finally break through into the mainstream. The 38-year-old Canadian fighter also implied that he aims to give it all in his imminent octagon appearance. 

 

Watch Firas Zahabi and Aiemann Zahabi discuss the outdoor training session below (*comments at the 2:47-minute mark of the video): 

Aiemann Zahabi eyes top-five spot, while "Sugar" Sean O'Malley seeks UFC title shot

Firas Zahabi -- who's the head trainer at the world-renowned Tristar Gym in Montreal, Quebec, Canada -- has trained the likes of former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald. 

Firas has often earned laudation for his strategies and coaching. Many believe that he'd have crafted a good strategy for Aiemann's fight against crafty knockout artist Sean O'Malley. Aiemann stands at the No. 6 spot in the official UFC bantamweight rankings, whereas O'Malley is at No. 3. 

Leading up to the fight, O'Malley has consistently indicated that he's seeking a win over Zahabi and then a title shot against reigning bantamweight champion Petr Yan. "Sugar" does hold a split decision victory over Yan from 2022. 

Meanwhile, a win over a former UFC bantamweight champion like O'Malley would likely catapult Zahabi into the top five and possibly the title mix at 135 pounds.