Fares Ziam is gearing up for a significant matchup at UFC Fight Night 287, where he will face Axel Sola in the lightweight co-main event on Saturday at the Accor Arena in Paris. With a professional record of 18 wins and 5 losses, Ziam is looking to bounce back after experiencing a setback in his last fight.
In preparation for this crucial bout, Ziam has enlisted the expertise of renowned coach Trevor Wittman. Ziam has previously collaborated with Wittman, serving as a training partner for UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje ahead of Gaethje's fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Now, Ziam is making a more permanent commitment to Wittman's coaching team as he seeks to refine his skills and strategy.
"My plan is to move with my family to the U.S. to be in Denver," Ziam explained in an interview. "Honestly, like I say, two to three years in Denver and forget, but yes, for me it’s important to evolve in this game, to be focused. Before, I didn’t have any head coach. I had a team around me, but at this level, we need a head coach, a guy who thinks for you, a guy who works well for you, and Trevor is the best for me."
Ziam's last fight was a disappointing one, as he saw his impressive six-fight winning streak come to an end against Tom Nolan at UFC Fight Night 278 in June. This defeat not only marked his first loss in over four years but also cost him his position in the lightweight rankings. Reflecting on that fight, Ziam acknowledged, "I don’t underestimate anybody, but I was on a six-fight win streak. It’s true also, not a lot of hype on this fight, but a fight is a fight, so we need to go 100 percent on focus. In this fight, I lost my focus a little bit. I was too relaxed, but I think everyone knows I’m better than him. But that night, he won."
As Ziam prepares to face Sola, a fellow French fighter, he is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Despite their shared nationality, Ziam has expressed no personal issues with Sola, but he recognizes the need for vigilance. "I think he’s going to come to wrestle me, to control me in the cage, to be a bad fight," Ziam noted. "He’s going to hug me, but he’s also going to come to hurt me. I think he’s good everywhere, but his big point is good wrestling, good striking, good grappling. I’m better everywhere, and I need to be only focused that night."
At 29 years old, Ziam is determined to reclaim his momentum and work towards a title shot. He has a clear vision for his upcoming fight, stating, "I want to be myself. I’m free to do anything in that fight and just respect my game plan." With the support of Trevor Wittman and a renewed focus, Ziam is poised to make a statement in Paris.
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