© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

 

UFC Fight Nigh Predictions: Moicano vs. Saint Denis - Fight Preview: Fares Ziam vs. Matt Frevola

The lightweight clash between Fares Ziam and Matt Frevola at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis promises to be an intense showdown. Ziam, a French fighter training out of Kill Cliff FC, will be fighting on home soil in Paris, while the American Matt Frevola, representing the Serra-Longo Fight Team, will be looking to bounce back after a recent loss.

 

Betting Odds

Fighter	Odds
Fares Ziam	-125
Matt Frevola	+105

Ziam enters the fight as a slight favorite, largely due to his recent performances and the fact that he will be fighting in front of a supportive French crowd. Frevola is a slight underdog, but his aggressive style and knockout power could turn the tide in his favor if the fight goes his way.

Fighter Backgrounds

Fares Ziam

Fares Ziam, nicknamed "Smile Killer," is a well-rounded lightweight fighter with a professional record of 15-4. At just 27 years old, Ziam has already made a name for himself in the UFC with his technical striking and improved grappling game. Standing 6'1" with a reach advantage, Ziam uses his range to control the distance and frustrate opponents.

After a successful stint in regional promotions across Europe, Ziam made his UFC debut in 2019. Despite some early struggles, including a loss to Don Madge, Ziam has bounced back and is currently riding a three-fight win streak. His recent victories over Claudio Puelles, Jai Herbert, and Michal Figlak have showcased his ability to fight smart and control the pace of the bout.

Matt Frevola

Matt Frevola, known as "The SteamRolla," is an explosive lightweight fighter who always brings the fight to his opponents. Frevola, with a record of 11-4-1, is known for his aggressive striking and relentless pressure. Standing at 5'9", Frevola typically fights in close quarters, using his heavy hands and wrestling to impose his will on opponents.

While Frevola has experienced mixed results in the UFC, he remains a fan favorite due to his fighting style. His recent knockout wins over Drew Dober and Ottman Azaitar demonstrated his finishing ability, but a tough KO loss to Benoît Saint Denis in November 2023 halted his momentum.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Fares Ziam

Ziam is a technical striker who relies on his height and reach to keep opponents at bay. His crisp jabs, sharp kicks, and precise combinations make him a difficult target to hit. Ziam’s ability to control the distance allows him to pick apart his opponents over time, wearing them down and accumulating damage.

On the ground, Ziam has shown solid improvement in his grappling and submission game. With four submission victories in his career, he is dangerous if the fight goes to the mat. His ability to defend takedowns and transition to offensive grappling has made him a more complete fighter in recent years.

Matt Frevola

Frevola is a pressure fighter who thrives in high-paced, chaotic exchanges. His striking is powerful and wild, often leading to early knockdowns or finishes. Frevola loves to move forward, forcing his opponents to trade punches with him, where he can unleash his powerful hooks and overhands.

In addition to his striking, Frevola has a strong wrestling background. He uses his wrestling to mix up his attacks and keep his opponents guessing. Frevola is also capable of finishing fights with submissions, as seen in his Dana White’s Contender Series win over Jose Flores.

Recent Performances and Matchup Analysis

Fares Ziam

Ziam’s recent performances have shown his growth as a fighter. His decision victories over Claudio Puelles and Jai Herbert were strategic, as Ziam controlled the range and neutralized his opponents’ offense. His ability to fight smart and stick to his game plan has been a key factor in his recent success.

In this matchup, Ziam will look to use his reach and technical striking to keep Frevola at a distance. By avoiding Frevola’s power shots and engaging in clinch exchanges, Ziam can dictate the pace of the fight and potentially wear Frevola down over three rounds.

Matt Frevola

Frevola’s last fight against Benoît Saint Denis was a setback, as he was knocked out in the first round. However, prior to that loss, Frevola was riding a three-fight win streak, with knockout victories over Drew Dober and Ottman Azaitar highlighting his dangerous striking.

Against Ziam, Frevola will need to close the distance quickly and turn the fight into a brawl. Frevola’s best chance at winning is by overwhelming Ziam with his pressure and power. If Frevola can land a big shot early or take Ziam down and control him on the ground, he could hand the Frenchman his first loss in four fights.

Keys to Victory

Fares Ziam

• Utilize Range: Ziam must use his height and reach to keep Frevola at a distance, avoiding the power shots of the American.
• Stick to the Game Plan: Ziam’s recent success has come from fighting smart and controlling the pace. He should avoid getting into wild exchanges with Frevola.
• Defend Takedowns: While Ziam has improved his grappling, he should aim to keep the fight standing, where he has the advantage in technical striking.

Matt Frevola

• Pressure Early: Frevola’s best chance at winning is by overwhelming Ziam early with his pressure and power. He should look to close the distance and land big shots.
• Mix in Takedowns: Frevola should use his wrestling to mix up his attacks and keep Ziam guessing. If he can get Ziam to the ground, he has a good chance of controlling the fight.
• Avoid a Technical Fight: Frevola does not want to engage in a technical striking battle with Ziam, as the Frenchman’s reach and precision will be difficult to overcome.

Prediction