Fares Ziam vows to come back stronger after UFC Fight Night 287.
Ziam (18-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC) was knocked out for the first time in his career by Axel Sola (13-1-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) in Saturday's co-main event at Accor Arena in Paris. As Ziam connected with an elbow, Sola threw a big overhand left which floored him in the first round.
Ziam, who was once a ranked UFC lightweight on a six-fight winning streak, has now dropped two straight. He opened up on the loss in an Instagram post.
"Yesterday, I suffered my first knockout.
This is MMA. One day you win, one day you lose. I know the rules of this sport, and I accept them.
Congratulations to Axel for the win, but also for his respect and his behavior before and after the fight.
Now, I'll take the necessary
time to come back stronger. It's just another step in the journey.
Thank you everyone for your numerous messages and support.
And special thanks to my whole team for accompanying me, their work, and their presence by my side throughout my preparation. During victory and defeat, we stick together.
We will come back stronger."
In what was a battle between two French fighters, Ziam thanked Sola for the class he showed before and after the fight. Sola's head coach, Aldric Cassata, also held back from celebrating his student's win out of respect.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Fares Ziam praises Axel Sola for respect after knockout loss at UFC Paris
