French lightweight Fares Ziam has announced he has signed a new contract with the UFC. This marks his fourth contract signing with the promotion. Ziam expressed gratitude to those who believed in him throughout his journey. He stated that this is not the end of his career but rather the beginning of something great. The fighter is expected to deliver more exciting performances going forward.
French lightweight Fares Ziam has signed a new contract with the UFC, the fighter announced on April 7, marking his fourth deal with the promotion.
Ziam, nicknamed "Smile Killer," enters this new chapter carrying an 18-4-0 professional record. The 29-year-old orthodox fighter from France stands six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach and trains out of Kill Cliff FC. He has built a reputation as an active and accurate striker, landing 2.85 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy, while also contributing on the ground with 1.62 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. In announcing the signing, Ziam expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, framing the new contract not as a conclusion but as the start of something greater.
Why it matters
- Ziam's fourth UFC contract signals the promotion's continued confidence in the French lightweight contender
- At just 29, he enters a new deal in his physical prime with room to climb the 155-pound rankings
- His blend of striking volume, accuracy, and takedown activity makes him a stylistically dangerous matchup for much of the division
