It took Fares Ziam a little while, but he finally had his first finish under the UFC banner.
The 27-year-old Frenchman rocked the home crowd at Accor Arena in Paris with a vicious third-round knockout knee strike that landed on Matt Frevola. Commentary, pundits and many others watching along at home on social media immediately labeled the moment a Knockout of the Year contender.
Ziam (16-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) didn’t quite know how to handle his first knockout win since 2018, and borrowed a famous line from Jorge Masvidal in an apology to Frevola (11-5-1 MMA, 5-5-1 UFC).
“It’s my first finish in UFC, but before UFC I have a couple of finishes,” Ziam told UFC News. “Honestly, I threw the knee, he go down, and I say, ‘He’s finished.’ But, the referee don’t come. Maybe, so I strike.
“I’m sorry, Matt for the (extra punches). It’s not super necessary. So, I am sorry.”
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After framing Frevola as he attempted to exit a clinch, Ziam connected with the right knee, knocking his opponent out cold. Ziam followed him to the ground for a few extra punches, but it was clear the fight was already over before that. But as fighters are told, he continued striking until the referee stepped in.
“I’m very, very happy,” Ziam said. “It was hard for me to not finish my fight before, and tonight, no pressure.”
Ziam’s coach spoke to him about the importance of having fun in the octagon, while trying to make the most of the moment of fighting in front of a home crowd in France, considering the promotion rarely travels to the country.
On the first fight of a new contract, Ziam extended his current winning streak to four. In his previous fight, he won a split decision against Claudio Puelles in February, which was frustrating, even though he came out victorious.
Now Ziam can sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labor, which earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus that will come in handy for his new family.
“I got a baby like five months ago. I’m a new father,” Ziam said. “So, I do this for my wife, my son, my family, my coach. I’m happy.
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