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Axel Sola news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Axel Sola faces Fares Ziam in UFC Paris co-main event Saturday.
French lightweight seeks third UFC win on home soil.
Background
Axel Sola, a 28-year-old French lightweight, is set to fight fellow Frenchman Fares Ziam in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 287 at Accor Arena in Paris on September 5, 2026. Sola is coming off a first-round submission win over Ismael Bonfim in July, while Ziam lost to Tom Nolan in June, snapping his six-fight winning streak. The matchup is significant as both fighters are unranked lightweights looking to climb the division.
How it unfolded
- Mar 21, 2026Sola lost to Mason Jones at UFC Fight Night in London, his first UFC defeat.
- Jul 24, 2026Sola submitted Ismael Bonfim in the first round at UFC Abu Dhabi, improving his UFC record to 2-1.
- Sep 2, 2026UFC.com publishes feature on Sola, highlighting his return to Paris where he made his UFC debut.
- Sep 4, 2026Sola tells UFC News he has figured out Ziam's game, praising Ziam's front kick but claiming he knows how to counter it.
- Sep 5, 2026Sola faces Ziam in the co-main event at Accor Arena in Paris; ceremonial weigh-ins held the day before.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Some analysts favor Sola due to his higher output and finishing ability, with one picking him to win by decision.
- Caution
- Other analysts caution that Sola's tendency to clinch and attempt risky takedowns could play into Ziam's strengths, leading them to side with Ziam.
- Public
- Oddsmakers and the public slightly favor Ziam at -155, with Sola as the underdog at +130.