Fares Ziam
Smile Killer
France
Runs winning streak to five
Ziam defeated Mike Davis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
ANALYSIS
Of course, a battle between two noted strikers quickly turned into a back-and-forth grappling match. That said, Ziam proved to be clearly the more effective man in that area, and it won him the fight. He landed 4-of-7 takedown attempts in addition to stuffing 7-of-8 tries from Davis. He constantly won at the point of attack, aided by his tiring opponent. Clearly up two rounds, Ziam was never in jeopardy in the final frame because Davis was too bloody and tired to make a significant push. Still just 27 years of age, Ziam has come out of seemingly nowhere to rack up five straight wins dating back to September 2022. He deserves another bump up in competition his next time out.
Of course, a battle between two noted strikers quickly turned into a back-and-forth grappling match. That said, Ziam proved to be clearly the more effective man in that area, and it won him the fight. He landed 4-of-7 takedown attempts in addition to stuffing 7-of-8 tries from Davis. He constantly won at the point of attack, aided by his tiring opponent. Clearly up two rounds, Ziam was never in jeopardy in the final frame because Davis was too bloody and tired to make a significant push. Still just 27 years of age, Ziam has come out of seemingly nowhere to rack up five straight wins dating back to September 2022. He deserves another bump up in competition his next time out.
Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
More Fantasy News
Fighting Davis in February
Ziam will fight Mike Davis at UFC Saudi Arabia on Feb. 1, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
A victory over Matt Frevola in September extended Ziam's winning streak to four bouts. Davis has also built up positive momentum, winning four consecutive fights dating back to 2019, but Ziam will have a 2.5-inch reach advantage working in his favor in February.
A victory over Matt Frevola in September extended Ziam's winning streak to four bouts. Davis has also built up positive momentum, winning four consecutive fights dating back to 2019, but Ziam will have a 2.5-inch reach advantage working in his favor in February.
Secures fourth straight win
Ziam defeated Matt Frevola via KO (knee) at 2:59 of Round 3 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Paris.
ANALYSIS
The knee which put Frevola to sleep was as beautiful of a finishing shot as you will ever see and will certainly earn Ziam a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts. While that's great to see, Ziam's aggressiveness and improved grappling were the real highlight of this performance. He outworked Frevola -- a solid wrestler -- on the mat. Ziam also made sure the judges were left out of this one after each of his prior five UFC victories went the distance. Still just 27 years of age, these are the type of improvements you like to see from a fighter. Don't sleep on Ziam at 155 pounds.
The knee which put Frevola to sleep was as beautiful of a finishing shot as you will ever see and will certainly earn Ziam a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts. While that's great to see, Ziam's aggressiveness and improved grappling were the real highlight of this performance. He outworked Frevola -- a solid wrestler -- on the mat. Ziam also made sure the judges were left out of this one after each of his prior five UFC victories went the distance. Still just 27 years of age, these are the type of improvements you like to see from a fighter. Don't sleep on Ziam at 155 pounds.
Draws Frevola in Paris
Ziam will take on Matt Frevola in a lightweight matchup at UFC Paris on Sept. 28, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Ziam has won three consecutive fights and five of his last six overall, though each of those victories have been up to the judges. He now draws Frevola, who has won three of four but hasn't competed since November. Ziam will own four-inch advantages in both height and reach, but it's Frevola who will enter with statistical edges in striking volume and offensive wrestling.
Ziam has won three consecutive fights and five of his last six overall, though each of those victories have been up to the judges. He now draws Frevola, who has won three of four but hasn't competed since November. Ziam will own four-inch advantages in both height and reach, but it's Frevola who will enter with statistical edges in striking volume and offensive wrestling.
Improves to 5-1 in past six
Ziam defeated Claudio Puelles via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Mexico City.
ANALYSIS
Things got hairy for Ziam when the decision was announced, but he most definitely deserved to win. Fares lapped Puelles in terms of damage on the feet, closing with a 31-4 edge in terms of total strikes landed. He did give up a whopping seven takedowns, but thankfully for Ziam, Puelles never generated any real damage despite his seemingly constant positional advantages. Still just 26 years of age, Ziam has quietly won five of his last six dating back to October 2020. The lone concern is that all five of those victories have come via decision.
Things got hairy for Ziam when the decision was announced, but he most definitely deserved to win. Fares lapped Puelles in terms of damage on the feet, closing with a 31-4 edge in terms of total strikes landed. He did give up a whopping seven takedowns, but thankfully for Ziam, Puelles never generated any real damage despite his seemingly constant positional advantages. Still just 26 years of age, Ziam has quietly won five of his last six dating back to October 2020. The lone concern is that all five of those victories have come via decision.
Set to fight Puelles
Ziam will fight Claudio Puelles at UFC Mexico on Feb. 24, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Coming off back-to-back wins over Michal Figlak and Jai Herbert, Ziam will look to stay hot against Puelles, who lost his most recent fight. Along with momentum, the 26-year-old Ziam will have height and reach advantages in his favor.
Coming off back-to-back wins over Michal Figlak and Jai Herbert, Ziam will look to stay hot against Puelles, who lost his most recent fight. Along with momentum, the 26-year-old Ziam will have height and reach advantages in his favor.