Fares Ziam
Smile Killer
France
Winning streak snapped at six
Ziam lost to Tom Nolan via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Despite entering on a six-fight winning streak, Ziam couldn't afford a setback here as a -350 favorite. His game plan was questionable throughout, as he seemed to be caught in between wanting to grapple and strike. Regardless, 16 significant strikes in total over the course of 15 minutes isn't going to win you a decision. It's a bit baffling Ziam didn't attempt to open up on the feet a bit more, as that was where he was having his most (limited) success. Ultimately, he accomplished little through two rounds, making his late surge clearly not enough. It's the first loss for the 29-year-old since February 26, 2022.
Despite entering on a six-fight winning streak, Ziam couldn't afford a setback here as a -350 favorite. His game plan was questionable throughout, as he seemed to be caught in between wanting to grapple and strike. Regardless, 16 significant strikes in total over the course of 15 minutes isn't going to win you a decision. It's a bit baffling Ziam didn't attempt to open up on the feet a bit more, as that was where he was having his most (limited) success. Ultimately, he accomplished little through two rounds, making his late surge clearly not enough. It's the first loss for the 29-year-old since February 26, 2022.
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Will take on Tom Nolan
Ziam will take on Tom Nolan in a lightweight bout at UFC Vegas 118 on June 6, according to Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Ziam is one of the hottest names at the UFC level, having won each of his last six bouts, with the most recent coming in December against Nazim Sadykhov at UFC 323. Ziam was expected to take on a higher-ranked opponent, but it seems he'll have to keep waiting for that opportunity.
Ziam is one of the hottest names at the UFC level, having won each of his last six bouts, with the most recent coming in December against Nazim Sadykhov at UFC 323. Ziam was expected to take on a higher-ranked opponent, but it seems he'll have to keep waiting for that opportunity.
Winning streak hits six
Ziam defeated Nazim Sadykhov via TKO (strikes) at 4:59 of Round 2 at UFC 323 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Ziam was scheduled to fight Kaue Fernandes in September in his native France before withdrawing days before the bout due to a family matter. He got back in there here against Sadykhov and put forth a flawless performance against a tough opponent. Ziam completely grounded Sadykhov, allowing just four significant strikes in nearly 10 minutes. Offensively, Ziam picked up a pair of takedowns and 5:58 worth of control time, dominating in every aspect of the bout. As Joe Rogan correctly pointed out on the broadcast roughly 582 times, Ziam continues to improve massively every single time he steps into the Octagon. He's won six straight dating back to September 2022.
Ziam was scheduled to fight Kaue Fernandes in September in his native France before withdrawing days before the bout due to a family matter. He got back in there here against Sadykhov and put forth a flawless performance against a tough opponent. Ziam completely grounded Sadykhov, allowing just four significant strikes in nearly 10 minutes. Offensively, Ziam picked up a pair of takedowns and 5:58 worth of control time, dominating in every aspect of the bout. As Joe Rogan correctly pointed out on the broadcast roughly 582 times, Ziam continues to improve massively every single time he steps into the Octagon. He's won six straight dating back to September 2022.
Slated for UFC 323 fight
Ziam will fight Nazim Sadykhov at UFC 323 on Dec. 6, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Ziam backed out of his early-September fight at UFC Paris for unknown reasons, but he's back on the schedule for a Dec. 6 bout. He'll square off against Sadykhov, who's had four straight stoppage wins.
Ziam backed out of his early-September fight at UFC Paris for unknown reasons, but he's back on the schedule for a Dec. 6 bout. He'll square off against Sadykhov, who's had four straight stoppage wins.
Out for UFC Paris
Ziam will not fight Kaue Fernandes at UFC Paris on Saturday, according to Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting.com.
ANALYSIS
With Ziam out for UFC Paris, the promotion is trying to find his replacement who can fight Fernandes on short notice. It is unclear what the former is dealing with and when he can return to action.
With Ziam out for UFC Paris, the promotion is trying to find his replacement who can fight Fernandes on short notice. It is unclear what the former is dealing with and when he can return to action.
Fighting Fernandes in September
Ziam will fight Kaue Fernandes at UFC Paris on September 6, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Although it's a bit of a letdown for Ziam, who was hoping for a top-15 ranked UFC lightweight opponent, he'll aim to extend his five-fight win streak against a rising contender coming off back-to-back victories.
Although it's a bit of a letdown for Ziam, who was hoping for a top-15 ranked UFC lightweight opponent, he'll aim to extend his five-fight win streak against a rising contender coming off back-to-back victories.