Fares Ziam vs Matt Frevola: Clash of Titans in the Lightweight Division

The UFC's latest bout between Fares Ziam and Matt Frevola promises to be nothing short of electrifying. Scheduled for September 28, 2024, at the iconic Accor Arena in Paris, France, this face-off belongs to the Preliminary Card of the "Moicano vs Saint Denis" event. If you're a UFC betting enthusiast or just a fan of high-octane, adrenaline-packed action, this is one fight you won't want to miss. In this detailed "Fares Ziam vs Matt Frevola analysis," we dive into the key factors that could tip the scales either way.

Paris is set to host an unforgettable evening with two talented lightweights bringing their A-game to the Octagon. Ziam, a 26-year-old French kickboxer, boasts an impressive record of 15 wins and 4 losses. Standing 73 inches tall with an arm reach of 75 inches, Ziam holds notable advantages in both height and reach over Frevola. His fighting style is as dynamic as his stats, with 5 knockouts and 4 submission victories to his name. Ziam has been on an upward trajectory with consecutive wins against Claudio Puelles, Jai Herbert, and Michal Figlak, each decision requiring him to go the distance.

Meanwhile, 33-year-old Matt Frevola, an American brawler, enters the cage with an 11-4-1 record. Known for his aggressive style and resilience, Frevola has 4 knockouts and 3 submission wins under his belt and has delivered six first-round finishes, emphasizing his ability to end fights swiftly. Frevola's striking accuracy stands at 42%, with a commendable defense rate of 60%. He'll be looking to bounce back from a recent KO loss to Benoit Saint Denis and recreate the magic from his previous stunning victories against Drew Dober, Ottman Azaitar, and Genaro Valdez—all first-round knockouts.

When we're talking "UFC betting tips" for this fight, the odds reflect just how closely matched these two fighters are. As of the latest updates, Frevola holds a slight edge with bookmakers like Caesars listing him at -130, while Ziam comes in at +110. These odds can shift leading up to the fight, so staying updated with the best bookmakers like DraftKings, BetOnline, and FanDuel is crucial for those placing bets.

This fight offers more than just betting opportunities; it’s a story of two fighters with something to prove. For Ziam, it's about using his physical advantages and honed striking to outpace and outthink his older opponent. For Frevola, it's a quest for redemption, leveraging his experience and raw power to reclaim his winning streak. The matchup of a calculated striker against a ferocious brawler makes this an intriguing puzzle within the UFC realm.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this fascinating matchup, providing comprehensive "UFC event predictions" and granular analysis of their fighting styles, trends, and psychological readiness. Whether you're wagering on the fight or just soaking in the spectacle, the Ziam vs. Frevola showdown is one you’ll remember.

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Fares Ziam vs Matt Frevola can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Moicano vs Saint Denis can be found on the Moicano vs Saint Denis event page.

Fighter Profiles: Fares Ziam vs Matt Frevola

Fares Ziam: The "Smile Killer" from France

Fares Ziam, affectionately known as the "Smile Killer," hails from Vénissieux, France. At just 26 years old, Ziam has already established himself as a rising star in the UFC lightweight division. Standing 73 inches tall and weighing 156 pounds, he brings a unique blend of reach (75 inches) and leg reach (42 inches) that often frustrates his opponents. Ziam made his UFC debut on September 7, 2019, and has since wowed fans with his dynamic kickboxing style.

Ziam’s recent form is a testament to his growing prowess inside the Octagon. Coming off three consecutive victories, he has shown that he can go the distance and come out on top. His last fight was a split decision win against Claudio Puelles in February 2024. Before that, he clinched unanimous decision victories over Jai Herbert and Michal Figlak in July 2023 and September 2022, respectively. These wins have bolstered his record to an impressive 15-4.

Strengths:

• Striking Accuracy: With a significant strike accuracy of 49%, Ziam lands almost half of his shots, making him a precise and dangerous striker.
• Defensive Skills: Ziam’s striking defense rate is a solid 65%, showing his ability to evade and block incoming attacks effectively.
• Versatility in Finishes: Ziam can end fights through various methods, boasting 5 knockouts and 4 submission wins, which gives him multiple paths to victory.

Weaknesses:

• Takedown Accuracy: His takedown accuracy stands at a relatively low 24%, indicating that his grappling can be a point of improvement.
• Submission Susceptibility: Although strong in striking, Ziam did suffer a submission loss to Terrance McKinney in February 2022, suggesting a vulnerability on the ground.

Matt Frevola: The "Steamrolla" from the USA

On the other side of the cage, we have Matt "Steamrolla" Frevola, a 33-year-old brawler from Huntington, United States. Frevola's fighting style is characterized by his aggressive nature and relentless pressure. Standing 69 inches tall and weighing 169.2 pounds, Frevola’s physical attributes might be less imposing than Ziam’s, but his ferocity makes up for it. He debuted in the UFC back on August 29, 2017, and has since become a fan favorite for his high-octane performances.

Frevola's recent form has been a roller-coaster. His most recent outing was a KO loss to Benoit Saint Denis in November 2023. However, before that, he scored three first-round knockout wins against top-tier opponents like Drew Dober, Ottman Azaitar, and Genaro Valdez, all within the initial rounds, bringing his record to a notable 11-4-1.

Strengths:

• Explosive Power: Frevola’s ability to finish fights quickly is evident with his 4 knockouts and 3 submissions, six of which were in the first round.
• Striking Resilience: His strike defense rate is 60%, which speaks to his ability to absorb and fend off significant strikes.
• Well-rounded Offense: Frevola excels in both the striking and grappling departments, giving him a versatile offensive arsenal.

Weaknesses:

• Defensive Vulnerabilities: With a takedown defense of just 43%, Frevola can be susceptible to opponents who are strong grapplers.
• Consistency: Frevola's form has been inconsistent, highlighted by his recent KO loss and previous defeat to Terrance McKinney in June 2021, hinting at occasional lapses in his otherwise aggressive approach.

Both fighters bring unique attributes and exciting styles to the Octagon, making this an intriguing matchup for betting enthusiasts and fight fans alike. Whether Ziam’s technical precision can overcome Frevola’s explosive power will be a storyline worth watching closely. Stay tuned for further "UFC betting tips" and detailed analyses as we approach fight night.

Betting Odds and Odds History: Fares Ziam vs Matt Frevola

The Fares Ziam vs Matt Frevola fight is already generating significant buzz in the betting circles, and understanding the odds can give you the edge. This section dives deep into the current betting odds, their history, and the best sportsbooks to place your bets on. For all the "UFC betting tips" enthusiasts, here's your chance to get the inside scoop.

Current Betting Odds

As of the latest updates, Matt Frevola holds a slight edge over his opponent, Fares Ziam, with odds reflecting him as the favorite. Here's a snapshot of the current odds from various top sportsbooks:

• Matt Frevola:

  • Caesars: -130
  • DraftKings: -130
  • BetOnline: -145
  • BetUS: -145
  • FanDuel: -138
  • LowVig.ag: -145
  • Bovada: -138
  • BetRivers: -132

• Fares Ziam:

  • Caesars: +110
  • DraftKings: +110
  • BetOnline: +125
  • BetUS: +115
  • FanDuel: +108
  • LowVig.ag: +125
  • Bovada: +117
  • BetRivers: +107

Ziam is currently the underdog, but the odds aren't astronomically far apart, indicating a fairly even match in the eyes of the bookmakers. If you're looking to bet, understanding where to place your $1,000 can turn into a profitable venture.

Best Sportsbook for Bets

Considering the odds and their fluctuations, BetOnline and BetUS offer the most competitive odds for both fighters. Let’s break down the potential payouts:

• If you bet $1,000 on Matt Frevola at -130 (Caesars): Your total payout would be approximately $1,769.23.
• If you bet $1,000 on Fares Ziam at +125 (BetOnline): Your total payout would be approximately $2,250.

Odds History and Bookmaker Insights

Tracking the odds history, BetOnline and DraftKings have been the most responsive, often updating promptly following major announcements or public betting trends. Notably, BetOnline showed a significant fluctuation, with Frevola's odds ranging from -160 to -130 over the past week. Similarly, DraftKings initially listed Frevola at -166, later adjusting him to -130.

Conversely, Bovada has seen more modest changes, primarily oscillating around the -130 to -150 range for Frevola. Ziam’s odds at Bovada moved from +140 to +117, indicating a more stable line without dramatic spikes or drops.

Probabilities Based on Current Odds

Based on the current odds:

• Matt Frevola: At -130, bookmakers give him an implied probability of about 56.52% to win.
• Fares Ziam: At +110, Ziam has an implied probability of roughly 47.62% to win.

The variance in odds provides an opportunity for value betting, particularly if you believe that the underdog has a better-than-expected chance.

Final Thoughts

For an optimal betting strategy, monitoring shifts in the odds is crucial. BetOnline and DraftKings may provide timely updates that can be leveraged for midweek bets. Generally, the closer odds suggest a balance of opportunity on both fighters.

Those serious about betting might find value in staking on Ziam at the higher odds offered by BetOnline. However, if you'd prefer to safeguard your bet, choosing Frevola at one of the sites offering lower odds could be a more secure option. Always remember to watch the odds right up to fight night for the best "UFC event predictions" and insight into how the betting public is leaning.