It took Fares Ziam a short while, however he lastly had his first end below the UFC banner.
The 27-year-old Frenchman rocked the house crowd at Accor Enviornment in Paris with a vicious third-round knockout knee strike that landed on Matt Frevola. Commentary, pundits and lots of others watching alongside at residence on social media instantly labeled the second a Knockout of the Yr contender.
Ziam (16-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) didn’t fairly know how one can 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 informed UFC Information. “Actually, I threw the knee, he go down, and I say, ‘He’s completed.’ However, the referee don’t come. Perhaps, so I strike.
“I’m sorry, Matt for the (additional punches). It’s not tremendous vital. So, I’m sorry.”
After framing Frevola as he tried to exit a clinch, Ziam linked with the appropriate knee, knocking his opponent out chilly. Ziam adopted him to the bottom for a number of additional punches, but it surely was clear the battle was already over earlier than that. However as fighters are informed, he continued hanging till the referee stepped in.
“I’m very, very glad,” Ziam stated. “It was exhausting for me to not end my battle earlier than, and tonight, no strain.”
Ziam’s coach spoke to him concerning the significance of getting enjoyable within the octagon, whereas attempting to take advantage of the second of preventing in entrance of a house crowd in France, contemplating the promotion not often travels to the nation.
On the primary battle of a brand new contract, Ziam prolonged his present successful streak to 4. In his earlier battle, he gained a break up resolution in opposition to Claudio Puelles in February, which was irritating, despite the fact that 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 Evening bonus that may come in useful for his new household.
“I bought 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 glad.
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