Farès Ziam

Farès Ziam (born March 21, 1997) is a French mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Born into a Franco-Algerian family in 1997, he was a fan of mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It was a family affair, with everyone involved in combat sports. His father, Taïeb, who was a former pro boxer that hung up his gloves in the 2000s, has of course had something to do with it. His stepfather did Brazilian jiu-jitsu while his two brothers did Muay Thai. At 12, Ziam began practising combat sports with full contact. At 13, he began doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and MMA once or twice a week. Starting at 14, he did judo, BJJ and kickboxing for 3 years, he then joined the Ezbiri team in Villeurbanne to do MMA professionally.

Early career
Starting his professional MMA career in 2014, Ziam compiled a 10–2 record fighting mostly in the regional European scene, winning the HIT and LFC lightweight championships in the process.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Ziam, as a replacement for Magomed Mustafaev, made his promotional debut against Don Madge on September 7, 2019, at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Ziam lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Ziam faced Jamie Mullarkey at UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie on October 18, 2020. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Ziam faced Luigi Vendramini on June 12, 2021, at UFC 263. He won the fight via majority decision.

Ziam was scheduled to face Terrance McKinney on November 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 198. However, one of McKinney's cornermen got COVID-19 the day of the bout and it was scrapped. The pairing was rescheduled and eventually took place at UFC Fight Night 202 on February 26, 2022. Ziam lost the bout via first round rear-naked choke.

Ziam faced Michal Figlak on September 3, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 209. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Ziam faced Jai Herbert on July 22, 2023, at UFC on ESPN+ 82. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Ziam faced Claudio Puelles on February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237. Despite being taken down seven times, Ziam won the bout by split decision after landing more strikes.

Ziam is scheduled to face Matt Frevola on September 28, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 245.

Championships and accomplishments

 * HIT Fighting Championship
 * HIT Lightweight Championship (one time)
 * Lyon Fighting Championship
 * LFC Lightweight Championship (one time)