French fighter Fares Ziam won by split decision against Peruvian Claudio Puelles on Saturday at UFC Mexico City. He signs his third victory in a row in the -70kg category.
Fares Ziam wins again. For his seventh fight in the UFC, the 26-year-old French fighter faced Claudio Puelles on Saturday at UFC Mexico City. A tough opponent who took him to the ground seven times in three rounds. But these numerous takedowns did not weaken Ziam who finished very strongly in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. With more shots (67 against 24) and especially more significant blows (38 against 4), he won by split decision.
For his return, the Lyonnais faced a dangerous grappler in the person of Claudio Puelles, in lightweight. The ‘Smile Killer’ had not fought since July 2023 due to injury. He had to win to move forward, and thus claim a big name for the future.
Round 1: Right away, Fares Ziam is taken to the ground by the Peruvian. The latter maintains control in close combat on the ground. The two athletes end up getting up and the Frenchman lets his boxing do the talking. He starts with a body shot before moving back up. He hits Puelles and knocks him out. However, the ‘Smile Killer’ is unable to finish his opponent. In the process, Claudio Puelles validates an impressive takedown on the Lyonnais. The Peruvian seeks submission with a kimura attempt. In vain.
THIRD CONSECUTIVE VICTORY FOR FRENCH FARES ZIAM, WINNER OF PUELLES #PFLvsBellator
الفوز الثالث على التوالي للفرنسي فارس زيام الفائز بسباق البوليس pic.twitter.com/BzJh2JUTT4
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) February 25, 2024
Round 2: On the ground, Fares Ziam takes a dominant position before his opponent reverses the situation. Claudio Puelles finds himself in a mounted position but the ‘Smile Killer’ defends well on the ground. Backpacking, Puelles climbs on top of Ziam and attempts the rear choke. The Frenchman returns to the ground and escapes. He takes a dominant position and works ground & pound.
Round 3: Puelles pins the Lyonnais against the cage. Opportunistic, Ziam attempts a guillotine while he is on his back, but his Peruvian opponent defends well. On the ground, the tricolor evolves well and escapes from the opposing trap. In ground & pound, Fares Ziam finishes the fight strong.
UFC Mexico pic.twitter.com/RLc1Kxiaoz
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) February 25, 2024
In the end, Fares Ziam won by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29). The Lyonnais improves his record to 15-4 in professional MMA, and signs a third victory in a row in the UFC.
