Ziam plans Denver relocation to train under Gaethje's coach Wittman ahead of UFC Paris

Fares Ziam has revealed plans to relocate his family to Denver and commit long-term to training under Trevor Wittman, Justin Gaethje’s head coach, as the French lightweight bids to elevate his UFC career. The announcement comes ahead of Ziam’s co-main event appearance against fellow Frenchman Alex Sola at the UFC’s event in France on September 5.

Ziam spent the bulk of his preparation for the Sola fight at Wittman’s gym in Denver, and the experience convinced him that a permanent move is necessary to reach the next level. Having previously operated without a dedicated head coach, Ziam says he now understands the value of having a single guiding voice at the elite end of the sport.

“My plan is to move with my family to the U.S. to be in Denver,” Ziam told MMA Junkie. “Two to three years in Denver and forget. For me, it’s important to evolve in this game, to be focused. Before, I didn’t get any head coach; I had a team around me. But at this level, we need a head coach, a guy who is looking out for you. For me, Trevor is the best for me.”

The relationship between Ziam and Wittman grew out of an unlikely introduction. Ziam served as a sparring partner for Gaethje during the camp that preceded Gaethje’s win over Paddy Pimblett earlier this year. Impressed by what he saw, Wittman agreed to bring Ziam into the gym — a decision that was far from guaranteed, according to their shared manager Ali Abdelaziz.

“I asked my manager, Ali, ‘What do you think if I go train with Justin?’ He said, ‘It’s a very good idea, but Trevor doesn’t take just anyone,’” Ziam explained. “But after me and him had a good feeling, he said I am a good person. Because he saw something in me, he took me in this gym.”

Ziam heads into UFC Paris looking to return to winning form, with the all-French co-main event against Sola set to be one of the night’s marquee matchups. A strong performance could accelerate his timeline for the permanent Denver move he is already planning.