It took Fares Ziam a short time, however he lastly had his first end below the UFC banner.
The 27-year-old Frenchman rocked the house crowd at Accor Area in Paris with a vicious third-round knockout knee strike that landed on Matt Frevola. Commentary, pundits and lots of others watching alongside at house on social media instantly labeled the second a Knockout of the 12 months contender.
Ziam (16-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) didn’t fairly know easy methods to deal with his first knockout win since 2018, and borrowed a well-known line from Jorge Masvidal in an apology to Frevola (11-5-1 MMA, 5-5-1 UFC).
“It’s my first end in UFC, however earlier than UFC I’ve a few finishes,” Ziam advised UFC Information. “Actually, I threw the knee, he go down, and I say, ‘He’s completed.’ However, the referee don’t come. Possibly, so I strike.
“I’m sorry, Matt for the (additional punches). It’s not tremendous needed. So, I’m sorry.”
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After framing Frevola as he tried to exit a clinch, Ziam linked with the proper knee, knocking his opponent out chilly. Ziam adopted him to the bottom for just a few additional punches, but it surely was clear the struggle was already over earlier than that. However as fighters are advised, he continued placing till the referee stepped in.
“I’m very, very completely satisfied,” Ziam stated. “It was exhausting for me to not end my struggle earlier than, and tonight, no strain.”
Ziam’s coach spoke to him in regards to the significance of getting enjoyable within the octagon, whereas attempting to benefit from the second of combating in entrance of a house crowd in France, contemplating the promotion hardly ever travels to the nation.
On the primary struggle of a brand new contract, Ziam prolonged his present successful streak to 4. In his earlier struggle, he received a cut up resolution towards Claudio Puelles in February, which was irritating, although he got here out victorious.
Now Ziam can sit again and benefit from the fruits of his labor, which earned a $50,000 Efficiency of the Night time bonus that may come in useful for his new household.
“I obtained a child like 5 months in the past. I’m a brand new father,” Ziam stated. “So, I do that for my spouse, my son, my household, my coach. I’m completely satisfied.
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