The UFC's famed octagon witnessed rising star Fares Ziam secure what many have deemed as one of the best knockouts of the year. Ziam's most recent fight saw him face Matt Frevola and stop him in a truly terrifying fashion at UFC Paris.
UFC Paris transpired at the Accor Arena in Paris, France, on Sept. 28, 2024, and Ziam faced Frevola in the opening bout of the main card. Following the win, he extended his professional MMA record to 16-4. 'Smile Killer' is 6-2 in the UFC and is currently on a four fight win-streak.
UFC KO of the Month for September 2024 - Fares Ziam vs. Matt Frevola
The three-round lightweight bout was marked by Fares Ziam's exceptional and highly technical striking, while Matt Frevola riskily swung with looping overhand rights from the opening bell.
Frevola did have some success, as he attempted a guillotine and subsequently secured mount in round one. Ziam, however, showcased great defensive grappling skills. On the feet, 'Smile Killer' rocked his American foe with his precise punching, but didn't chase the finish and remained calm.
In round three, Ziam took Frevola down, also taking his back multiple times in the process. They tussled along the fence with him still on Frevola's back.
Frevola got one of his hands past Ziam's body lock, trying to turn into his foe. Regardless, Ziam immediately recognized this and smoothly transitioned from grappling to striking, as he pulled Frevola's head down and simultaneously hit him with a right knee to the face. A couple of ground strikes followed in the lightning-fast sequence before Referee Loic Pora stopped the fight.
Unsurprisingly, given Ziam's technique and thunderous impact in the epic third-round KO win, this stunning knee is our pick for September's KO of the month. Honestly, this might even be the KO of the year.
Watch the terrifying knockout below:
Speaking to Kevin Iole, Fares Ziam apologized to Matt Frevola for the follow-up ground strikes. Apparently, Ziam unleashed those strikes, as he didn't expect the knee to fetch him the KO. The 27-year-old indicated he'd love to keep ascending the lightweight ranks.
Revisiting the scary knockout win, which reportedly left Frevola with a left orbital fracture, Ziam stated that he doesn't wish any harm upon his opponents. The UFC lightweight stated:
"Matt Frevola exit from the clinch relaxed. And I know at that time, he was very tired. I say I have very good knees. In my mind, in the fight, I say, 'Okay. He don't have his hand on the floor. You can go to the knee.' So I go to the knee, and I surprise me because I didn't know he gonna get knocked out."
Watch Ziam's assessment below: