UFC Paris just lost an exciting Lightweight fight.
The main card match up of Fares Ziam vs. Kaui Fernandes is off, as Ziam has withdrawn due to the sudden death of his grandmother. Ziam announced the news himself on social media. At the time of writing, it’s uncertain if UFC will attempt to find Fernandes a new opponent or rebook him on another card. It’s also possible that Fernandes hangs around as a potential back up for the other Lightweight bouts on the main card.
“Following the sudden death of my grandmother,” Ziam wrote (translated via Instagram). “her funeral arrangements in France and abroad. I regret to cancel my participation in UFC Paris on September 6. Family is my priority.”
Our sympathies and condolences aside, this is a really unfortunate turn of events for “The Smile Killer” in terms of his career as well. The French Lightweight has put together five-straight wins and has really been looking like a ranked contender in his recent wins over Matt Frevola and Mike Davis, and he was lined up for another showcase in front of the Paris crowd here.
At 28 years of age, there’s still plenty of time for Ziam to handle his affairs and return to work.
For the complete UFC Paris fight card, click here.
