Fares Ziam sees Matt Frevola as a top 15 opponent

For Fares Ziam, Matt Frevola is his biggest fight yet.

Ziam (15-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) will face Frevola (11-4-1 MMA, 5-4-1 UFC) in the main event opener of UFC Fight Night 243 (ESPN+) on Saturday at Accor Arena in Paris. Ziam has had Frevola in his sights for some time, and even though “Steamrolla” is no longer ranked, Ziam sees a win as a huge step forward for him.

“I challenged him a year ago after my fight in London and today I'm happy to fight him,” Ziam told reporters Wednesday at UFC Fight Night 243 media day (h/t La Sueur). “He's not in the top 15 anymore, but for me he's a top 15 guy, so for me it's a big fight.”

Ziam expects an aggressive Frevola from the start, but is aware that his technique makes the difference.

“I think he will attack at the beginning of the fight and close the distance. But after that I will impose my technique and tactics,” Ziam said. “I have changed my style a little in training to adapt to every situation with my coaches, whether I am on offense or defense. He will reach forward and try to touch me, but he will not succeed. I, on the other hand, will succeed in touching him.”

Frevola is looking forward to competing in Paris after drawing some French fans during his loss to Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 295, but Ziam said the crowd will be fully on his side.

“The fans will be there for me,” Ziam said. “There will be no fans for him and in the end he will go home with a defeat.”

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 243.