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PARIS, France — UFC lightweight Fares Ziam was the second French fighter to claim the Octagon title at UFC Paris on Saturday night, giving France his second win of the night when he decided to take on Michal Figlak.
Ziam (13-4) fought after Benoit St. Denis won by second-round KO.
“I’m happy because Benoit played so well. He won by knockout. I hope he plays on the night. He helped me win this win and put my heart into this fight,” Ziam told Cageside Press and other media.
The hometown crowd appeared in front of their fighters, singing throughout the evening for every French fighter on the card.
“When I (hear) all the arenas (chanting) ‘Fare! Fares! So much energy. I feel good,'” he said.
Fighting at home means a lot to every local fighter, but for Ziam it means more than that.
“It was like a dream. For me, the first fight in France, the first UFC, the first MMA in France was super fun for me,” Ziam said.
Figlak (8-1) turned out to be much tougher than expected for a fighter making his UFC debut in enemy territory.
“What a tough guy. He’s a tough opponent, how to kill him, I wanted to kill him in the second round with a spinning elbow, but he was too hard. After the second round (I didn’t have any) energy. I just used mine Fight with your heart,” Ziam said with a smile.
Back in the victory column, winning home in front of his friends, family and fans, Ziam had a call for what he wanted next.
“Next, I want Abu Dhabi, but the card is full. I have two fights in Abu Dhabi. One (lose) and one win, but let’s go to Abu Dhabi! I’m not injured, I’m fresh, ‘ Ziam said.
“I’m a fighter. I need to fight. I need money. Let’s go.”
Watch Fares Ziam’s entire postgame brawl above.
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