Paris, France – UFC lightweight Fares Ziam was the second French fighter to take the octagon at UFC Paris on Saturday night and he gave France it’s second win of the night when he took the decision win over Michal Figlak.
Ziam (13-4) fought just after Benoit St.Denis won his fight via second round KO.
“I’m very happy because Benoit did a very good fight. He won by knockout. I wish for him performance of the night. He helped me with this win to give all my heart for this fight,” Ziam told Cageside Press among other media.
The hometown crowd showed up for their fighters as the chants ran the entire night for each French fighter on the card.
“When I (heard) all of the arena (chanting) ‘Fares! Fares!’ so much energy. I feel great,” he said.
Fighting at home meant a lot to each local fighter, but for Ziam it was a bit more than that.
“It’s like a dream. For me fight in France, first time with UFC, first time in MMA for me in France, super happy,” said Ziam.
Figlak (8-1) turned out to be a much tougher out than expected of a fighter making their UFC debut in enemy territory.
“It’s tough guy. He’s tough opponent so how to finish him, I wish to finish him in the second round with spinning elbow, but he’s tough. After the second round (I had) no energy. I fight only with my heart,” Ziam said with a smile.
Back in the win column having won at home in front of his friends, family and fans, Ziam called his shot for what he wants next.
“Next, I want Abu Dhabi, but the card was full. In Abu Dhabi I have two fights. One (loss) one win, but let’s go Abu Dhabi! I have no injury I’m fresh,” Ziam said.
“I’m a fighter. I need fight. I need money. Let’s go.”
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Fares Ziam above.
