UFC 323: Nazim Sadykhov vs Fares Ziam Preview & Prediction
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Surging lightweights meet as Russia’s Nazim Sadykhov faces France’s Fares Ziam in a high-quality prelim showdown.
Nazim Sadykhov vs Fares Ziam facts
What time are Nazim Sadykhov and Fares Ziam expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2
What TV channel is UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 main card
Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan (Bantamweight)
Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van (Flyweight)
Brandon Moreno vs Tatsuro Taira (Flyweight)
Henry Cejudo vs Payton Talbott (Bantamweight)
Jan Błachowicz vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 prelims
Grant Dawson vs Manuel Torres (Lightweight)
Terrance McKinney vs Chris Duncan (Lightweight)
Maycee Barber vs Karine Silva (Women’s Flyweight)
Nazim Sadykhov vs Fares Ziam (Lightweight)
Marvin Vettori vs Brunno Ferreira (Middleweight)
Edson Barboza vs Jalin Turner (Lightweight)
Iwo Baraniewski vs Ibo Aslan (Light Heavyweight)
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs Antonio Trocoli (Middleweight)
Muhammad Naimov vs Mairon Santos (Featherweight)
Nazim Sadykhov: Ruthless Russian pressure fighter riding a wave of momentum
Nazim “Black Wolf” Sadykhov (10-1-1) enters this matchup as one of the most exciting and quietly rising lightweights in the division. Known for his relentless pressure, tight boxing combinations and excellent durability, Sadykhov has become a dangerous finisher at 155 pounds. All four of his UFC victories have come inside the distance, showcasing both knockout power and opportunistic grappling. His ability to keep a high pace while absorbing return fire makes him an increasingly difficult puzzle for opponents who cannot match his intensity.
Sadykhov’s recent run has been particularly impressive. He is coming off back-to-back finishes of Nikolas Motta and Ismael Bonfim, two talented strikers who were halted by Sadykhov’s pressure, output and clean shot selection. He has shown sharp improvements in both his defensive grappling and his ability to mix in takedowns when required. Most importantly, Sadykhov has developed a reputation for being hard to hurt. His chin has held up during wild exchanges, and his willingness to march forward has broken several opponents mentally and physically. He now looks like a genuine threat to break into the lightweight rankings with another strong performance.
Fares Ziam: France’s long, rangy technician enjoying the best form of his career
Fares “Smile Killer” Ziam (15-4-0) arrives with confidence after winning his last five bouts, including three straight inside the UFC. At 6 feet tall with a 75-inch reach, Ziam is one of the longer and more technically composed strikers in the division. His movement is clean, his jab is sharp, and he thrives when he can stay at range and dictate the tempo with long kicks and straight punches. Across his current streak, he has defeated the likes of Michal Figlak, Jai Herbert and Matt Frevola, the latter being a notable win as Frevola is a teammate of Sadykhov.
Ziam’s development has been considerable. Early in his UFC tenure he struggled with physicality and pressure, but recent performances show improved defensive wrestling, greater composure under fire and better round-to-round consistency. However, his output remains on the lower side for a modern lightweight. He lands just 2.85 significant strikes per minute, a number that often forces him into edge-of-the-razor decisions. Against high-volume pressure fighters, that can be a risk. Ziam relies heavily on maintaining range, and when forced into exchanges he has shown vulnerability to opponents who throw in higher numbers and can collapse the space he prefers to work in.
Nazim Sadykhov vs Fares Ziam prediction
This matchup offers a fascinating clash between volume and precision, pressure and patience. Ziam possesses the cleaner technique and the longer frame, giving him the tools to frustrate shorter opponents and score from distance. However, Sadykhov’s style is tailor-made to disrupt that approach. His forward pressure, heavier shots and willingness to engage create the kind of fight where Ziam struggles to maintain rhythm. The Frenchman’s lower striking output may leave him playing catch-up on the scorecards if he cannot halt Sadykhov’s advance.
Sadykhov’s pace is one of the most important factors. He lands 5.55 significant strikes per minute, almost double Ziam’s output. Over three rounds, that differential can become decisive, especially in a competitive fight that may go the distance. Sadykhov also holds the advantage in finishing upside, both with his power combinations and with his willingness to mix in takedowns when opponents begin to retreat. His durability and aggression should allow him to take control of the exchanges and force Ziam into uncomfortable positions.
Prediction: Nazim Sadykhov to win
