Axel Sola vs. Fares Ziam prediction, pick for UFC Fight Night 287

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Axel Sola and Fares Ziammeet in the UFC Fight Night 287 co-featureSaturday at Accor Arena in Paris. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

  • Last event's results: 3-3
  • UFC main cards, 2026: 96-53-1

Axel Sola vs. Fares Ziam UFC Fight Night 287 preview

Sola (12-1-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) looks to keep the momentum going after a first-round submission win against Ismael Bonfim in July.

Ziam (18-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) will look to get back on track after a unanimous decision loss to Tom Nolan in June.

Axel Sola vs. Fares Ziam UFC Fight Night 287 expert pick, prediction

The co-main event features an all-France showdown between Fares Ziam and Axel Sola.

Both men are used to being the taller man in their fights, which means I'm expecting a sloppier, more grappling-heavy version affair from these two.

I give a strength and output edge to Sola, but the 28-year-old Frenchman's propensity to needlessly push into the clinch will likely give Ziam the comfort he's searching for.

Ziam may sport a losing record to UFC-level lefties at 2-3, but the 29-year-old shows solid countering instincts in open-stance exchanges.

For that reason, I'll semi-reluctantly side with the more experienced fighter, Ziam, to right the ship with a win on the scorecards.

Axel Sola vs. Fares Ziam UFC Fight Night 287 odds

The oddsmakers and the public favor the "Smile Killer," listing Ziam -158 and Sola +128 via FanDuel.

Axel Sola vs. Fares Ziam UFC Fight Night 287 start time, how to watch

Sola and Ziam are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 5:10 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Axel Sola vs. Fares Ziam prediction, pick for UFC Fight Night 287