Nazim Sadykhov vs Fares Ziam fight analysis
Introduction
Get ready for an electrifying Lightweight showdown as Nazim Sadykhov takes on Fares Ziam on the Preliminary Card of UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2. The action goes down on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the world-famous T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Though the clock strikes 1:00 AM ET for the official start of this undercard clash, fans tuning in early will catch two of the most dynamic up-and-coming lightweights in the octagon.
Hailing from France, Fares Ziam enters this contest as the clear betting favorite. He carries a professional record of 17-4-0, boasting an impressive 52% significant striking accuracy and a sturdy 65% strike defense. Ziam has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout his UFC tenure—stringing together five straight victories, including a dominant KO/TKO finish over Matt Frevola in September 2024 and a unanimous decision win against Mike Davis earlier this year. With -142 odds across major sportsbooks, Ziam’s blend of crisp kickboxing and evolving ground game makes him a tough out for anyone in the division.
On the other side of the Octagon stands Nazim Sadykhov, the underdog from Azerbaijan. At 31 years old, Sadykhov has quickly carved a name for himself with an 11-1-1 professional ledger and a staggering 8 knockout victories. Known for his relentless pressure and well-rounded skill set—highlighted by a 56% takedown accuracy and 75% takedown defense—Sadykhov made waves with his last two performances. He picked apart Nikolas Motta with ground-and-pound in June and cruised past Ismael Bonfim via doctor’s stoppage earlier this year. Currently priced at +120, Sadykhov’s power and wrestling pedigree present a genuine threat to Ziam’s striking superiority.
This clash is more than just a bout on the undercard—it’s a pivotal crossroads for both men. A victory for Ziam cements his position among the top 15 lightweights globally and could propel him toward more high-profile matchups. A win for Sadykhov, meanwhile, would validate his meteoric rise since debuting in February 2023 and earn him a serious look against ranked opposition.
Whether you’re a betting enthusiast, a casual fan, or someone scouting the next breakout talent, this fight delivers. Expect a high-octane mix of crisp standup exchanges, gritty scramble work, and potentially highlight-reel finishes. Stick around as we break down the key strengths, potential weaknesses, and tactical keys that will decide who emerges victorious in this must-see Lightweight encounter under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Live odds
Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Nazim Sadykhov vs Fares Ziam can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 can be found on the Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 event page.
Matchup & Fighter Profiles
As two contrasting styles collide in the Octagon, let’s break down the backgrounds, recent form and key strengths and weaknesses of Fares Ziam and Nazim Sadykhov.
Fares Ziam Profile
Age: 27
Country: France
Fighting Style: Kickboxer
UFC Record: 17-4-0
Recent Form (Last 5 Bouts)
- Feb. 1, 2025 — Win (Unanimous Decision) vs Mike Davis
- Sept. 28, 2024 — Win (KO/TKO, R3, 2:59) vs Matt Frevola
- Feb. 24, 2024 — Win (Split Decision) vs Claudio Puelles
- July 22, 2023 — Win (Unanimous Decision) vs Jai Herbert
- Sept. 3, 2022 — Win (Unanimous Decision) vs Michal Figlak
Ziam is riding a five-fight winning streak inside the UFC. Four of those bouts went the distance, showcasing his cardio and technical prowess, while the KO/TKO of Frevola highlighted his power.
Strengths
- Striking Accuracy (52%) & Defense (65%)
His high significant-strike accuracy and elite defensive numbers make him tough to hit and lethal when he connects. - Experience & Pace
Averaging 13:21 per fight, Ziam can maintain volume late into fights, often outworking opponents in rounds two and three. - Well-Rounded Finishing Ability
Six KOs and four submissions demonstrate his ability to adapt—he can close the distance for takedowns or punish opponents on the feet.
Vulnerabilities
- Takedown Accuracy (41%)
Ziam’s wrestling is serviceable but below division average; he can be out-wrestled by a strong grappler. - First-Round Finishes (5)
Prone to a slower start—early on, he can be pressured before finding his rhythm.
Nazim Sadykhov Profile
Age: 31
Country: Azerbaijan
Fighting Style: Freestyle Wrestler
UFC Record: 11-1-1
Recent Form (Last 5 Bouts)
- June 21, 2025 — Win (KO/TKO, R2, 4:17) vs Nikolas Motta
- Feb. 15, 2025 — Win (TKO – Doctor’s Stoppage, R1, 5:00) vs Ismael Bonfim
- Nov. 11, 2023 — Loss (Majority Decision) vs Viacheslav Borshchev
- July 15, 2023 — Win (Submission, R2, 1:07) vs Terrance McKinney
- Feb. 18, 2023 — Win (TKO – Doctor’s Stoppage, R3, 0:38) vs Evan Elder
Sadykhov’s only UFC defeat came in late 2023; since then he’s rattled off back-to-back stoppage victories, cementing his place among the division’s rising wrestlers.
Strengths
- Takedown Accuracy (56%) & Defense (75%)
Elite wrestling metrics allow Sadykhov to dictate where the fight takes place, taking down and stifling opposition with consistent grappling. - Finishing Power
Eight KO victories and two submissions across 11 wins point to his ability to overwhelm opponents, especially early—four first-round stoppages confirm his explosive starts. - Faster Finishes
An average fight time of 9:40 suggests he aggressively hunts finishes rather than relying on decisions.
Vulnerabilities
- Striking Defense (50%)
He absorbs significant strikes at a high rate; opponents with precise stand-up skills can exploit openings. - Reach & Height Disadvantage
At 70” tall with a 69” arm reach, he gives up size to Ziam (73” height, 75” reach), potentially exposing him to jabs and straights on the outside.
Both fighters bring compelling strengths—Ziam’s pinpoint striking and cardio versus Sadykhov’s relentless wrestling and finishing acumen. Look for Ziam to attempt to keep the fight upright and pepper Sadykhov from range, while the underdog will hunt takedowns and ground-and-pound to secure a highlight-reel finish.
Betting Odds & Line Movement
Current Odds Snapshot
- Favorite: Fares Ziam (-142 on BetOnline, DraftKings)
- Underdog: Nazim Sadykhov (+122 on BetOnline)
Across the major books, Fares Ziam sits squarely as the betting favorite at roughly -140 to -146. The softest favorite line is -140 at Bovada and Caesars, making them the best choice if you’re backing Ziam—your stake goes further for the same payout. Meanwhile, Nazim Sadykhov carries underdog status, priced between +114 (FanDuel) and +122 (BetOnline). If you believe in Sadykhov’s power and wrestling edge, BetOnline.ag offers the juiciest +122 payout.
Line Movement & Key Swings
Fares Ziam (BetOnline.ag)
• Nov 18: –150
• Nov 19: –175 → –190 (biggest favorite shift)
• Nov 23: –180 → –170 → –150 → –137 (sharp move toward underdog value)
• Nov 24: –142
Ziam’s odds initially shortened from –150 to a chalky –190 as early money poured in on his winning streak. However, late bettors trimmed him back to –137 before settling at –142, signaling confidence in Sadykhov’s upset potential.
Nazim Sadykhov (BetOnline.ag)
• Nov 18: +130
• Nov 19: +150 → +165 (peak underdog value)
• Nov 23: +155 → +145 → +130 → +117 (strong line move as book adjusts)
• Nov 24: +122
Sadykhov’s line exploded from +130 to +165 when few expected him to challenge Ziam, then tightened to +117 as bettors recognized his finishing ability. His current +122 reflects a balanced market where both sides have compelling arguments.
$1,000 Bet Payouts & Implied Odds
- Ziam at –142: A $1,000 wager returns ~$1,704 (profit ~$704).
- Sadykhov at +122: A $1,000 wager returns ~$2,220 (profit ~$1,220).
Implied Win Probabilities
- Ziam: ~58% chance to win
- Sadykhov: ~45% chance to win
(No math details—just straight probabilities.)
By comparing current odds and line swings, you can see how the market’s confidence shifted and where the value lies. If you favor the crisp striking and recent five-fight streak of Ziam, Bovada or Caesars at –140 is your prime book. If you believe in Sadykhov’s wrestling prowess and late-stage stoppage threat, BetOnline.ag at +122 delivers the largest payoff. Choose your side, lock in your line, and enjoy the action under Vegas lights.
AI Pick: Fares Ziam
Click the buttons below to read more about why the AI picked Fares Ziam, or see all the AI picks for Dvalishvili vs Yan 2. Our AI is trained on our fight data and picks winners for every fight. You can track all the picks, accuracy, and profit for free on our ai-picks page.
