Surprising Life Lessons from a UFC Fighter 🥊
What We Can All Learn from Aiemann Zahabi's Mindset 🤯
When Aiemann Zahabi stepped into the octagon at UFC 315 in Montreal, he wasn’t just facing a UFC legend—he was facing adversity layered in all directions. His opponent, Jose Aldo, had missed weight by over eight pounds. The fight was suddenly changed to a different weight class. And the crowd expected fireworks.
He delivered.
Zahabi's win wasn’t just physical—it was mental. It was the result of years of discipline, coaching, and mindset mastery under some of the best in the game: coach Firas Zahabi, UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre (GSP), and mindset coach Mike Gonsalves, known as Mindset Mike.
But you don’t need to be a UFC fighter to take something from his story. Here’s what we can all learn—and apply.
1. Your Mind Needs a Coach Too
“I have a coach for everything else—why not for the mind?”
Zahabi didn’t just train physically—he invested in a mindset coach to perform under pressure. He realized that at the elite level, most fighters are equally skilled and conditioned. What separates the great from the good is the ability to stay focused, clear, and present when it matters most.
Apply it:
You don’t need to be in a cage to benefit from mental coaching. Journaling, therapy, mindfulness training, or even hiring a mindset coach can help you sharpen your thinking and emotional resilience in high-pressure situations—job interviews, presentations, difficult conversations.
2. Let Go of Superstition, Embrace Adaptability
“Each fight is its own. The past and future don’t matter—just the present.”
Zahabi used to believe certain habits (like who attended his fight) impacted his performance. But with guidance, he learned that clinging to superstition creates anxiety and rigidity. Real confidence comes from adaptability—trusting that you can handle whatever shows up.
Apply it:
Instead of relying on rituals or routines to guarantee success, build trust in your ability to adapt. Missed a morning routine? Traffic ruined your prep? Show up anyway. Resilience comes from flexibility, not perfection.
3. Have a Plan for the Worst
“If you only expect positive things to happen, you’re delusional.”
Mindset Mike trained Zahabi to plan for adversity—not just hope it doesn’t arrive. When Zahabi got dropped during the fight, he didn’t panic. He had a clear plan: make space, catch his breath, win the next exchange, then win the next 15 seconds.
Apply it:
Whether you're giving a speech, leading a project, or navigating personal challenges—ask yourself: What will I do if things go wrong? Write it out. Have a playbook ready. Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for poise under pressure.
4. Build a Rock-Solid Foundation
“When the internal is strong, the external does nothing.”
Zahabi credits his preparation—not just for the fight, but for the moments before it. From nutrition to sparring, hydration to mindset drills, everything was carefully built to support him when the lights were on.
Apply it:
Success under pressure is the byproduct of preparation. Want to ace a presentation? Build the foundation—research, practice, sleep. Want to stay calm in a crisis? Practice staying calm in smaller stresses. The real work is done before the moment arrives.
5. Surround Yourself with Mentors and Believers
“I wouldn’t be who I am without my team.”
Zahabi’s circle includes Firas Zahabi, GSP, and Mindset Mike—but their impact goes far beyond skill. They held him accountable, reminded him of who he could become, and gave him wisdom when he felt vulnerable. He didn’t just listen—he absorbed their guidance and let it shape him.
Apply it:
Find your corner. Whether it’s mentors, coaches, or grounded friends, surround yourself with people who tell you the truth, believe in your potential, and sharpen your thinking. Then: listen to them. Accept the hard feedback. Let them shape your rise.
6. Turn Adversity Into Your Advantage
“When God wanted to make David king, He didn’t send him a crown. He sent him Goliath.”
Zahabi’s win wasn’t handed to him. It came through facing an opponent who missed weight, being knocked down, and walking through fire without folding. But instead of complaining, he kept walking forward. And that’s why the story now resonates.
Apply it:
When adversity shows up in your life, recognize it for what it is: an invitation. To rise. To show your heart. To become the version of yourself that can handle it. Don’t wait for easier circumstances—show up and grow into them.
If you took something from Aiemann Zahabi’s journey, share this with someone who could use a mindset shift. And if you want more interviews that go deeper than headlines, subscribe to the podcast and our Substack.
The rise is just beginning. Yours can be too.