Ziam Plans Move To Denver To Train With Gaethje's Team

Fares Ziam intends to relocate his family to Denver to train full-time under Trevor Wittman, the coach who helped Justin Gaethje prepare for his victory over Paddy Pimblett earlier this year.

The French lightweight, who faces compatriot Alex Sola in the co-main event of UFC Paris on Sept. 5, completed most of his camp in Colorado and told MMA Junkie that a permanent move is in the works. "My plan is to move with my family to the U.S. to be in Denver," Ziam said. "Two to three years in Denver and forget. For me, it's important to evolve in this game, to be focused."

Ziam first worked with Wittman as a sparring partner during Gaethje's camp for the Pimblett fight. When he approached manager Ali Abdelaziz about training there permanently, Abdelaziz warned him that Wittman is selective about new fighters. Wittman reportedly accepted Ziam after seeing his work ethic and character during the Gaethje sessions. "He said, 'It's a very good idea, but Trevor doesn't take just anyone,'" Ziam recalled, per Sherdog.

Ziam acknowledged he operated without a head coach earlier in his career but believes the UFC level demands dedicated oversight. He called Wittman the right fit for where he wants his game to go. The move would keep Ziam in Denver for at least two to three years as he looks to climb the lightweight rankings.

Ziam and Sola weigh in Thursday ahead of Saturday's card at Accor Arena in Paris.